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Motorcycle racing facts for kids

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Motorcycle racing
Course BOC.jpg
Motorcycles racing at the 2010 Course du BOC
Highest governing body FIM
First played November 29, 1895
Characteristics
Mixed-sex Yes
Type Outdoor
Presence
Olympic No
World Games Motocross: 1985; Speedway: 1985 and 2017; Indoor trials 2005 (All invitational sports)

Motorcycle racing is an exciting motorcycle sport where riders race special motorcycles. It's also called moto racing or motorbike racing. Riders compete to be the fastest on different kinds of tracks. These can be paved roads, dirt tracks, or even ice!

Motorcycle racing started a long time ago, with the first known race happening on November 29, 1895. Since then, it has grown into many different types of races. Each type needs special skills and a unique kind of motorcycle.

Types of Motorcycle Racing

There are two main types of motorcycle racing: road racing and off-road racing. There's also track racing, which is a bit different.

Road Racing

Road racing happens on paved tracks, like those used for cars. These tracks often have many turns and long straight sections. Riders wear special suits and helmets for safety.

MotoGP

Capirossi Hayden Rossi 2005
MotoGP racing

MotoGP is the highest level of road racing. It features very fast, custom-built motorcycles. These bikes are not like the ones you see on the street. They are designed just for racing. Riders in MotoGP are some of the best in the world.

Superbike Racing

Motorcycle racing
Superbike racing

Superbike racing uses motorcycles that are based on production models. This means they look like bikes you can buy, but they are highly modified for racing. Superbike races are very popular around the world.

Supersport Racing

Motorcycle phillip island03
Supersport racing

Supersport racing is similar to Superbike racing. However, it uses smaller, less powerful motorcycles. These bikes are also based on production models. It's a great stepping stone for riders hoping to reach Superbike or MotoGP.

Endurance Racing

Course bol d or 2005
Endurance racing

Endurance racing is a test of both speed and stamina. Teams of riders race for many hours, sometimes even 24 hours straight! They take turns riding and quickly change tires and refuel the bikes. It's a true team effort.

Sidecar Racing

Sidecars Isle of Man TT Race
Sidecar racing

Sidecar racing is unique because it involves two people on one machine. One person drives the motorcycle, while the other sits in a special sidecar. The passenger moves their body to help balance the bike through turns.

Off-Road Racing

Off-road racing takes place on unpaved tracks. These tracks can be made of dirt, mud, or sand. They often have jumps, bumps, and tricky terrain.

Motocross

MotoX start
Start of a Motocross race

Motocross is one of the most popular off-road sports. Riders race on short, closed dirt tracks with many jumps and obstacles. Races are usually shorter, but very intense.

Supermoto

Supermoto2012
A Supermoto rider on a tarmac section

Supermoto combines elements of road racing and off-road racing. The tracks are part paved and part dirt. Riders use special bikes that can handle both surfaces.

Enduro Racing

Stefan Merriman
Former World Enduro Champion Stefan Merriman

Enduro racing happens over long distances, often through natural terrain like forests and mountains. It tests a rider's skill, endurance, and navigation abilities. It's like an adventure race on a motorcycle.

Hare Scramble

Jennifer Roberts
Hare Scramble racer at Hyden, Ky

Hare Scramble races are similar to Enduro but often shorter. They take place on a marked course through woods or open fields. Riders race for a set amount of time, trying to complete as many laps as possible.

Track Racing

Track racing usually happens on oval tracks, often made of dirt or shale.

Flat Track Racing

FlatTrackMotorcycleRacing
Track racing motorcycles

Flat track racing takes place on oval dirt tracks. Riders slide their bikes sideways around the corners at high speed. It's a very exciting and skillful sport.

Speedway

Speedway start 1
Speedway

Speedway racing uses special bikes with no brakes and only one gear. Riders race on small oval tracks, usually made of shale or dirt. They slide around the corners using their left foot as a balance point.

Grass Track Racing

Grasstrack
Grass track racing

Grass track racing is similar to speedway but takes place on temporary oval tracks set up in fields. It's often seen in rural areas.

Ice Racing

Motorcycly speedway on ice
Ice Racing using full-rubber tyres

Ice racing happens on frozen lakes or indoor ice rinks. Riders use special tires with sharp spikes to grip the ice. It's a very fast and slippery sport!

Board Track Racing

1911boardtrackracing
Board track racing

Board track racing was popular in the early 20th century. Riders raced on oval tracks made of wooden planks. These tracks were very fast but also dangerous.

Auto Race in Kawaguchi

Auto Race in Kawaguchi
A race starts in Kawaguchi Auto Race Circuit

In Japan, "Auto Race" is a type of motorcycle racing on asphalt oval tracks. It's a unique form of track racing with its own rules and traditions.

Other Types of Racing

Drag Racing

Motorcycle drag launch
Drag Racing

Motorcycle drag racing is all about pure speed in a straight line. Two riders race side-by-side down a short, straight track. The goal is to be the first to cross the finish line.

Safety in Racing

Motorcycle racing is very fast and exciting, but it can also be dangerous. Riders wear a lot of special safety gear. This includes strong helmets, leather suits, gloves, and boots. These items help protect them in case of a fall. The tracks also have safety features like air fences and gravel traps to slow down bikes if they go off course.

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Motorcycle racing Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.