Motorcycle racing facts for kids
Motorcycles racing at the 2010 Course du BOC
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| 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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.
Images for kids
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MotoGP racing
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Superbike racing
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Supersport racing
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Endurance racing
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Sidecar racing
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Start of a Motocross race
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A Supermoto rider on a tarmac section
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Former World Enduro Champion Stefan Merriman
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Hare Scramble racer at Hyden, Ky
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Track racing motorcycles
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Speedway
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Grass track racing
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Ice Racing using full-rubber tyres
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Board track racing
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A race starts in Kawaguchi Auto Race Circuit
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Drag Racing
