Grasstrack racing is all about heart-pounding action on grass tracks, often set in scenic countryside locations. These tracks are typically oval in shape, featuring two straights and two corners. While they might not be as smooth as speedway tracks, they provide the perfect backdrop for exciting races.
A Glimpse into Grasstrack History
Grasstrack racing has deep roots in the UK, with events dating back to as early as 1920. Back then, the sport aimed to lure street racers into a safer environment for both riders and spectators. The early tracks were nothing more than freshly ploughed fields, usually right after the harvest season.
As the sport gained traction, Grasstrack clubs sprang up all across the country. During spring and summer, you'd find a Grasstrack race happening within an hour's drive from almost anywhere.
Grasstrack Today: A Changing Landscape
Fast forward to 2023, and the sport has seen ups and downs. The season typically kicks off in April or May, with many events in the Kent area. There are also tracks in Pickering, Cheshire, Ledbury, Dalton Barracks, Southampton, Bristol, and one club in Roche, Cornwall.
Who Can Join the Fun?
Grasstrack isn't just for seasoned riders; it's often seen as a stepping stone to speedway. Many speedway riders also participate in Grasstrack events because the tracks and bikes are quite similar.
Children as young as 6 years old can dive into Grasstrack racing in the UK, offering a safe introduction to motorbiking. The sport's affordability has grown, with clubs allowing motocross bikes and even E-Bikes in their 'youth' classes.
The Grasstrack Bike: Unveiling the Specs
Grasstrack racing motorcycles may resemble Speedway machines, but they have their unique characteristics. In the UK, Grasstrack racing is categorized by engine capacity: 250 cc (usually 2-stroke engines), 350 cc, and 500 cc bikes (typically powered by 4-stroke engines). Grasstrack bikes come equipped with a 2-speed gearbox and, just like Speedway bikes, they have no brakes. One visible difference is their length, with Speedway bikes being shorter by about 10-12 inches.
The sport also boasts a fascinating class called Pre-75, featuring bikes manufactured before 1975. Within this category, you'll find three classes with engine capacities of 250 cc, 350 cc, and 500 cc.
Embracing Sidecar Racing
Sidecar racing is another thrilling facet of Grasstrack, featuring three main classes. These include the 500 cc class (using solo 4-stroke engines) two 1000 cc classes (utilizing stock road bike engines) and the Old and New Class. Regardless of the class, all sidecar racers rely on methanol as fuel. An intriguing aspect is the direction of the races; the 500 cc class and the 1000 cc Left-hand sidecar class run anti-clockwise around the oval track, while the 1000 cc class goes clockwise. The reason for this directional difference traces back to the origin of each class – mainland Europe's right-hand driving influenced the 500 cc class, while the UK's left-hand driving shaped the 1000 cc class.
A Need for Speed
For those seeking speed records, the fastest oval lap record is held by the UK's Kelvin Tatum MBE. He achieved this feat at Rastede in Germany, racing on a 1000 m Grass/Sand surface, with an astounding average speed of 144.31 km/h.
So, whether you're an enthusiast, a young aspiring rider, or simply curious about motorsports, Grasstrack racing offers an exhilarating world of action, history, and unforgettable moments.
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