Motorcycle speedway facts for kids
A speedway rider on the track
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| Highest governing body | Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Speedway |
| First played | 1923 |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Contact |
| Team members | 2 at a time on track |
| Type | Outdoor |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | No |
| World Games | Invitational: 1985 and 2017 |
Motorcycle speedway, often just called speedway, is a super exciting motorcycle sport. It involves four, and sometimes up to six, riders racing around an oval track. They go really fast for four laps, always turning to the left.
Speedway is known for its thrilling action and the special bikes used. Riders slide their bikes sideways around the corners. This is called "broadsiding" and it looks amazing!
Contents
What is Speedway?
Speedway is a type of track racing on motorcycles. It's played outdoors on a flat, oval track. The surface is usually dirt or crushed shale. Each race is called a "heat" and lasts for four laps. Riders compete to be the first to cross the finish line.
The Speedway Bike
Speedway motorcycles are very special. They are built just for this sport.
- No Brakes! This is one of the most surprising things about speedway bikes. Riders control their speed by using the engine and by sliding.
- One Gear: The bikes only have one gear. This means riders don't shift gears during a race.
- Special Fuel: They run on methanol, a type of alcohol fuel. This helps the engines produce a lot of power.
- Lightweight: Speedway bikes are very light. This helps them go fast and turn quickly.
- Dirt Deflector: A special part called a dirt deflector is fitted. It helps protect the rider from dirt and stones kicked up by other bikes.
The Track
Speedway tracks are oval-shaped. They are usually between 260 and 425 meters (850 to 1,390 feet) long. The surface is carefully prepared. It's often watered to keep dust down and make sure it's safe for racing.
Modern tracks use "air fences" around the edges. These are inflatable barriers that act like giant airbags. They make the track much safer if a rider crashes into the wall.
How a Race Works
A speedway race starts with all riders lined up at the starting gate. When the gate lifts, they zoom off. The goal is to get to the first corner ahead of everyone else.
Riders use a special technique called "broadsiding" to get around the corners. They lean their bikes over and slide the back wheel out. This helps them turn without slowing down too much. It takes a lot of skill and balance!
Riders and Teams
Speedway riders are incredibly brave and skilled athletes. They wear special safety gear, including helmets, leather suits, and boots. Many countries have professional speedway leagues. Riders often compete for teams in their home country and in international events.
Some of the most famous speedway riders come from countries like Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, and Great Britain. They travel all over the world to compete.
History of Speedway
Speedway racing started in the early 1900s. It became popular in Australia and the United States in the 1920s. The first official speedway race was held in 1923. From there, it quickly spread to Europe, especially in the UK and Poland. It has been a thrilling sport ever since!
Images for kids
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Col Stewart races his speedway motorcycle wearing a leather helmet. Photo taken around 1930.
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Speedway riders, Sydney, 9 February 1946, by Ray Olsen, Pix Magazine photographer.
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All 4 riders leaning into the first corner – note the elbows.
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Track preparation: Watering the track to avoid excessive dust.
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Stadion Polonii Bydgoszcz in Poland, a track using an air-fence
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Air-fence close-up
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1983 World Champion Egon Müller's Jawa Speedway Machine with 500 cc engine
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A dirt deflector fitted to a Speedway motorcycle
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Riders in the start.
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Broadsiding
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The Millennium Stadium, venue of the British Grand Prix
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Finnish speedwayriders in Speedway Extraliiga -competition in Yyteri speedway venue.
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Tomasz Gollob – a successful Polish speedway rider & 2010 world champion
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German Speedway-Bundesliga: Wolfslake Falubaz Berlin vs. Mordstern Stralsund
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See also
In Spanish: Speedway (motociclismo) para niños
