Grasstrack

Motorcycle Grasstrack racing takes place on a flat track consisting of two straights and two bends 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. Grasstrack has three solo classes, 250cc , 350cc and 500cc together with three sidecar classes; right handed 500cc and 1000cc and ledt handed 1000cc.

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, a boarded circuit similar to a larger speedway track, 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. More traditional and spectacular racing takes place at larger roped tracks including the Poacher and ASTRA Champion of Champions and Grand Slam meetings in Kent and in particular the most exciting meeting of all at the famous Rhoddes Minnis circuit.

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.