USA BMX Introduces Lane Transfer System

Jun 04, 2025

Written by Bart de Jong

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USA BMX Introduces Lane Transfer System as an alternative to total points at National Series Events. USA BMX is implementing a format adjustment for all remaining 2025 USA BMX National Series events with the introduction of the Lane Transfer System (LTS). This update applies to all race classes besides expert categories who will continue utilizing lap times for gate selection in elimination rounds.

Specifically for Non-Elimination Class sizes with 4 to 8 riders this will improve event-day experience by speeding up the tabulation of results and accelerating the award redemption process, allowing families to exit the venue more efficiently.

What Is the Lane Transfer System?

Under this new format, riders will race in traditional transfer system rounds to qualify for the Main Event. The finish in the Main will determine the final standings for the race day, while the earlier rounds will be used exclusively to determine lane choice for the Main. The Lane Transfer System offers a straightforward, exciting race-day experience for all classes, while ensuring that every rider in a 4-8 rider class earns a spot in the Main.

What About 3-Rider Classes?

Consistent with the age-old USA BMX system, when a class has only 3 riders, the Total Points format will continue to be used. This ensures three full laps of racing with points accumulated across all rounds to determine final placement..

Why the Adjustment?

The Lane Transfer System debuted at the BMX Canada Fraser Valley Nationals this past May, where it was met with overwhelmingly positive rider and family feedback. Its simplicity and fast final-result calculation led to shorter wait times and smoother award pickup. By rolling it out to all National Series events for non-elimination classes, USA BMX is offering an enhanced experience that blends competition with operational efficiency.

“We’re always listening to our riders and families, and this is a great example of a change inspired by what we saw work well in Canada,” said B.A. Anderson, CEO of USA BMX. “The Lane Transfer System improves the rider experience by keeping the racing exciting and the schedule moving. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

-Timed Expert Classes

For Expert classes that use finish-time scoring, riders will continue to transfer based on performance. However, their Main event lane assignment will be determined by their finish time in the lap they transferred, rather than order of transfer. This maintains a performance-based approach while aligning with the LTS structure.

-How LTS Works by Class Size:

3 Riders: Uses Total Points format (unchanged).

4–8 Riders: All riders advance to the Main provided that they transfer in one of the available transfer spots in the Motos..

-Transfers happen over two rounds.

-Lane choices are based on finish position from the qualifying round or time in the round they transfer.

In classes with 9 or more riders and multiple groups, gate picks for each subsequent round are determined by the results of the previous round. The winner of each qualifying moto gets first gate pick in the order of their moto number, followed by 2nd place, 3rd place, and so on—continuing the gate pick order based on finish placing within each moto and the moto's numerical order. This process repeats for each subsequent round.

Now Available to Tracks Nationwide

In addition to the National Series rollout, the Lane Transfer System is now an approved sanctioned race format for local, State/Provincial, and Gold Cup events. Tracks across the country can now select from three format options to best serve their communities:

-Total Points

-Traditional ABA Transfer Racing

-Transfer All with Lane Transfer System (LTS)

Tracks are encouraged to choose the format that works best for their schedule, event size, and rider base—giving them more flexibility and freedom to innovate their race day experience.