About Us

We would like to thank you for your interest in BMX racing and Grippen Park BMX! Grippen Park BMX is run by track operator Gary Gitchell who has spent countless hours over the past 20+ years making sure that BMX continues in Greater Binghamton. It would also not be possible to operate if it were not for the elected officials of the association as well as the countless volunteers who donate their time on a daily basis.

The Track

Grippen Park BMX is a dirt track approximately 750 feet long, with banked turns and jumps of all shapes and sizes.

It is located inside the former Grippen Ice Rink with a roof overhead eliminating any rain outs that occur during a racing season. This also allows for a longer race season and is more attractive for bigger race events to be held at Grippen. The track is run by a non profit group with volunteers. Racing will be every Friday night with registration from 6:00PM to 7:30PM and racing beginning as soon as possible. Tuesday night racing will also begin in the summer.

History

For over 25-years sanctioned BMX racing has been in the Greater Binghamton NY area, but when the group running Cheri A. Lindsey BMX decided to join the sanctioning body American Bicycle Association (ABA) to better suit its future growth and align with other tracks in the area it was determined a move was needed.

The Grippen Park BMX track is located under the roof of the former Grippen Park Ice Rink.  The ice rink was closed after a major flood hit the Greater Binghamton area in 2006.  In 2008 track operator Gary Gitchell, and board members Chris Edwards, Toby Hintze, & Brenda Hintze started the process with Broome County and Village of Endicott officials to open a track at this location.

Photos

Birdseye right side

The starting hill

View from the starting hill

First obstacle

Grandstands

View from rear

Exiting the first turn

View from the announcers tower

Concessions