I thinks it's very cool that you are racing him. I started mine at 8. He just got his a bike a week before, never rode a BMX bike before and never over any kind of jumps at all. We watched other guys for a while then he geared up and took off. He crashed 3 times on the first lap. He still hasn't won, but took 2nd once. We don't try too hard to win, but enjoy just being there with the other racer and having fun. After some time off, we plan to hit race at least once a week next year. Our track has 2 races every week and practice night on thurs. Post a couple pics of your son, and good luck.