Artifact ID: 26.0004
Artifact Name: Uni "2" Number Plate -1970s
Category: Equipment
Raced by: Ken Pliska
Date: Began running this plate in 1977
Source: Ken Pliska
Collection: Lititz BMX Archive
Location: Lititz, Pennsylvania
Embedded Files
Historical Context
We love the 70’s! What is your favorite memory from the 1970’s?
This number plate came from Ken Pliska who started using it in 1977.
This item is available for viewing as part of the museum’s collection.
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Number Plates in the 1970's
The BMX number plate is one of the most recognizable pieces of BMX equipment today, but in the 1970s it evolved quickly from simple homemade solutions to purpose-built racing components. The development reflects how BMX itself grew from informal neighborhood racing into an organized sport. 🚲
1. Homemade Plates (1970–1973)
When BMX racing first appeared in Southern California in the early 1970s, riders needed a way for scorers to identify racers. There was no standard equipment yet, so kids improvised.
Common early number plate materials:
Cardboard from cereal boxes
Plastic cutting boards
Aluminum sheet
Hand-painted plywood
Motorcycle number plates cut down
Numbers were often:
Hand-painted
Made from electrical tape
Drawn with marker
Early BMX races organized by groups like the National Bicycle Association simply required the number to be visible from the front.
Mounting methods were crude:
Zip ties (or wire)
Hose clamps
Tape
2. Early Commercial Plates (1973–1975)
As BMX racing exploded in California, companies began producing dedicated BMX number plates.
One of the earliest recognizable commercial plates came from Webco Inc., who produced molded plastic plates for their race bikes.
Characteristics:
Flat plastic design
Mounted to handlebars and stem
Large printed race numbers
During this period, sanctioning bodies like the National Bicycle League started formalizing race formats and number assignments.
3. The Iconic Molded Plates (1975–1978)
By the mid-1970s, the classic injection-molded BMX number plate appeared.
Major brands producing them included:
DG Performance
Mongoose
Redline Bicycles
Webco Inc.
Typical design features:
Molded plastic
Vent holes for weight reduction
Four mounting points
Decal backgrounds for numbers
These plates were lighter and more durable than homemade ones.
4. Sanctioning Body Color Systems (Late 1970s)
As BMX racing became more organized, race organizations began standardizing plate colors and number formats.
The American Bicycle Association (founded 1977) introduced a system where plate colors indicated rider class.
Typical late-1970s examples:
Plate Color Class
White Amateur
Yellow Novice
Blue Intermediate
Red Expert
This system helped officials identify classes quickly during races.
5. Integrated Sponsor Plates (Late 1970s)
By 1978–1979, number plates also became branding space.
Manufacturers began printing logos on plates, including:
Hutch Hi-Performance BMX
Mongoose
Redline Bicycles
Riders frequently added:
Sponsor decals
Team names
Custom backgrounds
Plates became part of a rider’s identity and factory image.
6. Materials, Shapes, & Designs
Flat Plates
Simple rectangular shape
Early era (1973–1975)
Molded Vent Plates
Vent holes
Lightweight
Most common late 70s
Mini Moto Style
Inspired by motocross plates
Curved and more aerodynamic
7. Collectability Today
Original 1970s BMX plates are now highly collectible, especially from brands like:
DG Performance
Redline Bicycles
Webco Inc.
Collectors value:
Original decals
Uncut mounting holes
Correct race number fonts
Some rare plates can sell for hundreds of dollars depending on condition and brand.
In short:
1970s BMX number plates evolved from handmade cardboard race identifiers into molded plastic racing components tied to sanctioning body rules, sponsorship, and BMX brand identity.
Related Media
Related Artifacts:
Artifact 26.0014 - Clear NBL Plate "572"
Artifact 26.0012 - 2020 Gold Cup "1" Plate
Artifact 26.0122 - 2008 Team USA Plate "1"
Highlighted Campaign Pages:
"Ride and Shine with Lititz BMX" - We Look Forward to Sharing with You
Artifact Sponsor
This Artifact Is Supported By
Green Mountain Cyclery
Ephrata, PA
Proud supporters of grassroots BMX culture.
Supporting the preservation of BMX history through storytelling and artifacts.
Lititz BMX is an independent archive documenting the
history and culture of BMX through artifacts, interviews, and storytelling.
Amazon Affiliate Link
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases - paid link below
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Description:
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Item Weight - 68 Pounds
Item Dimensions L x W x H - 80"L x 19"W x 20"H
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