BMX - First BMX bike for my 6yo son

I'm looking at getting a BMX race bike for my 6 year old. He has a friend who races and wants to get into the game. I know all I need to know about road bikes, but I'm totally ignorant about what to look for in a good BMX racing bike. I was hoping you guys could help me out. I'm not real sure what my budget is as I'm not even sure what to be looking for. I'd think that weight would be a bit of an issue for a kid that young (power to weight) but I'm not going to sell the car just to get a 12lb bike (or whatever they weigh).

Any ideas?

Thanks (and yeah, you can abuse me, I don't care and my feelings won't be hurt)

(and yeah, you can abuse me, I don't care and my feelings won't be hurt)

Glad theres some people out there who know that hazing/'verbal' abuse on the internet is completely harmless. Hats off.

But on a serious note, these guys (Danscomp.com) have some pretty good stuff. They have a whole race section now. Go for it man

Thanks SR, also looking for advice on specifics like brands that get it, as well as brands that aren't really worth considering. There's a lot of s#$% out there and I know nothing. For instance, for a Mini (which I assume is what I'm after), are there any indie brands that make something worthwhile or am I better off going with a Haro or Redline or GT, considering I have no idea if my kid is going to like this (I think he will). I don't want buy Shiite, but I'm also not going to buy something totally decked unless he gets into it with some passion.

I would suggest a Stolen Nipper. Bike in question. (http://www.danscomp.com/products-BIKES-Stolen/102099/2012_Stolen_Nipper_16_Bike.html)

I had one, and it was effing great.

I would suggest a Stolen Nipper. Bike in question. (http://www.danscomp.com/products-BIKES-Stolen/102099/2012_Stolen_Nipper_16_Bike.html)

I had one, and it was effing great.

Thanks for the suggestion, I think he's a bit big for that one. He's nearly 4 ft tall at this point. Also, it seems like most of the race specific bikes have 451 tires/wheels with a narrow profile, not sure what this one has, looks like 16" tires.

Dans has MCS, Intense, and SE bikes, those are all pretty good too. Maybe pop in to an LBS and see what brands they might recommend? I didn't race, so I have no idea how you want one of those things to fit. Someone in a shop should be able to help with fitment.