Grasstrack
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Motorcycle Grasstrack racing takes place on a flat oval track usually constructed in a field. It is one of the oldest types of motorcycle sports in the UK with the first meetings having taken place in the 1920’s. It is similar to Speedway with races usually taking place over 4 laps from a standing start. Unlike Speedway, which has 4 riders per race, Grasstrack racing can have many riders in each heat and the circuit is normally longer allowing higher speeds.
Many famous Speedway riders such as 1976 world champion Peter Collins started their racing careers in Grasstrack. Some Speedway riders continue to take part in national Grasstrack meetings when their schedule permits.
The British Grasstrack season usually starts in early spring around the Easter holidays and runs through the summer/ autumn months culminating in europe with the Bonfire Burnup at Collier Street at around the 5th of November. At the Bonfire Burnup international riders from speedway and grasstrack are invited. Fireworks and a big bonfire culminate the spectacular event.
In Europe the same sport is often called Long Track racing. This is exactly the same setup as British grasstrack which has tracks normally around 600- 800 meters in length, but is held on the continent with tracks up to 1000 - 1200 meters in length and with speeds reaching 90mph - 100mph. The machinery used is the same as are the riders.
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[edit] Grasstrack Motorcycles
Grasstrack racing motorcycles look quite similar to Speedway machines but there are different engine capacity limits for each class. In the UK there are classes for 250cc (normally 2 stroke engines), 350cc and 500cc bikes (usually 4-stroke engines). Unlike Speedway bikes which have no gears, Grasstrack bikes usually have a 2 speed gearbox. Both Speedway and Grasstrack bike have no brakes. The only other main difference is that speedway bikes have no rear suspension and are shorter in length, uselly by around 10-12 inches.
As well as solo racing, sidecar racing is also quite popular and often very spectacular. There are mainly two recognised classes, 500cc (using solo 4-stoke engines) and 1000cc (using stock road bike engines). Again, both run on methanol, and the 500cc class runs anti-clockwise around the oval track, and the 1000cc class clockwise.
[edit] Junior Grasstrack racing
Riders can start in Grasstrack racing at a young age (6 years old in the UK). Junior Grasstrack clubs cater for riders with motocross bikes as well as Grasstrack machines.
[edit] Organisation
Whilst there are several Grasstrack racing clubs in the UK, the sport is regulated by the governing body of British motorcycle sport, the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) who organise an annual British championship.
