Speed Freaks!

Full-face motocross helmet with goggles, Leather racing suit, and gloves, 19-inch rear wheel, Single gear(no transmission, Single-cylinder engine, 23-inch front wheel, No brakes.

For many racers and fans, speedway exists in an obscure corner of the American motorcycle racing scene. Similar to flat track racing, but lacking flat track’s popularity in the United States, speedway nevertheless delivers intense speed and constant action. Speedway’s short circuits, event format and visual appeal make it one of the most dynamic motorcycle racing disciplines.

A typical speedway event will feature 18 to 30 four-lap races on small, dirt oval circuits, usually one-eighth mile or less in length.

The bull ring-like tracks and short distances put a premium on good starts and force competitors to push their machines to their limits, with motorcycles sliding completely sideways around some sections of the track.

“Speedway is one of the hidden gems of motorcycle racing in the United States,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “The format packs a lot of action into a night of racing, with riders competing in five or more races each night. It demands poise, grit and constant focus, and it delivers some of the most exciting competition on two wheels.”

Event format

AMA-sanctioned national championship events follow a standard format, featuring 16 riders. Fourteen riders are invited to the event, based on past performance, and the remaining two riders are entered at the discretion of the track owner or promoter.

All heats, semi-final and finals races use a scratch start, where all competitors line up along the starting line.

Many speedway venues put on weekly racing programs in which the format may vary from the national championship events.

For example, there may be both scratch starts and handicap starts, where riders are staggered in increments of 10 yards behind the starting line based on their previous performance.

For detailed information on AMA-sanctioned speedway events, check out the AMA Amateur Racing Rulebook. Many events also have supplemental regulations that can be provided by the promoter.

How to get on track

Want to give speedway racing a try?

Used speedway race bikes can be found for $3,500 or less.

Riders who compete in other motorcycle racing disciplines can use their existing racing leathers and a full-face motocross helmet and goggles.

After making sure a machine is in good mechanical order and has plenty of life left in its speedway-specific tires, a new rider is ready to start.