Here is the history of Hamilton BMX Club Incorporated from 1980 to currently.

Between August and December 1980, after a school holiday programme, BMX’s progress in Hamilton was considered at a stalemate. However by early December a public meeting was called, from which the first Committee was formed and the Hamilton BMX Club established.

After the Christmas break this very able Committee met and the hard work of track building and negotiations with the Hamilton City Council and Contractors begun. We must not forget the great help from the Kirikiriroa Kiwanis.

By March 1981 racing was underway and the grand opening was held on 26th April 1981 with the official opening being performed by His Worship the Mayor, Ross Jansen. A great turnout of 453 riders attended from near and far. In January 1982 the club accepted the Hamilton City Council’s offer of a new site in the Minogue Park complex with the stadium being used for the development of the netball complex. Racing on the new track was underway in March 1983, however not many months later and redesigning of the track saw the club once again shift.

Now it was all go on a fast and furious track with a pro-section added for the older riders. This track was maintained until 1995 when for safety reasons a major redevelopment of the track was again required. A grant of $25,000 was given to the Club by the Hamilton City Council, and a contractor employed to reconstruct the track. This proved to be more than the Club had bargained for, and eventually after 18 months of “no track at all”, the contractor was ordered off the site.

The Club members got stuck in and finished the track and surrounding areas with completion ready for the 1997 North Island Championships. Also at this time a new start ramp was constructed along with a new gate and start mechanism. The assistance given from WEL Energy made the start ramp possible, as did the grant from The Community Trust which gave us our funds for the power and lighting.   

Hamilton has been host to major events including the 1985 Summer Internationals, 1992, 1997, 1999 and 2007 North Island and the 2003 and 2022 National Championships. In 2020 Hamilton BMX club celebrated 40 years of BMX. A fun event was held and enjoyed by all!

There are currently 32 registered Clubs in New Zealand, with Hamilton having one of the largest membership of registered riders. BMX is a family sport, with children as young as three to riders in their 70’s competing. The little ones usually start on their balance bikes, progressing through to 20″ race bikes and adults racing the 24″ cruiser.