Motorcycle racing has been around since the very first bikes were made, and it’s what made “iron horses” so popular among townsfolk.
Nowadays, there’s a myriad of motorcycle racing varieties out there, but let’s break down the main ones:
- Speedway: These races take place on tracks with different surfaces. In the winter, they are conducted on ice or frozen ground.
- Motocross: This type of race is held on special tracks or natural areas with rugged terrain. The classic track is about 3 km long. Stadium-cross or supercross (a version of motocross) takes place in stadiums. Dirt bike races are held in similar conditions.
Motocross at Scheveningen Beach, The Hague, Netherlands. Photo by Nicole Baster - Supermoto: These are raced exclusively on motorcycles specially designed for this type of competition. The track consists of several sections: asphalt, dirt, and obstacle course. The maximum track length is 2 km.
- Enduro: The competitions are held on rough terrains with specific requirements. The rider must follow a predetermined schedule provided in advance. Besides, additional contests are held during the races.
- Cross-country and Enduro-cross: These are the variations of enduro races combined with other competitions.
- Circuit racing: These races are held on highway circuits at least 3 km long. The peculiarity of these competitions is the abundance of high-speed turns. Participants can ride road bikes or special motorcycles belonging to the MotoGP class.
Superbike Championship at Snetterton Race Circuit, Norwich, United Kingdom. Photo by Max Leveridge - Endurance: These are road circuit competitions primarily aimed at testing the driver’s endurance. They can last for several days, and drivers are allowed to switch.
- Skioring: This is a team competition where the motorcycle racer tows a skier on a winter track. The track can be snowy, icy, or a combination of both. The riders cannot use wheel chains and studded tires.
The listed types of races are just the tip of the iceberg. Besides, a popular type of “unofficial” (illegal) racing among high-speed lovers is street racing.
So, what about you? Ever taken part in any high-speed competitions? Share your stories in the comments below or in moto chat of our app for motorcyclists CryptoMoto!
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