Been thinking of this for a while, those of you who are actively involved in Motorsports, whether as a competitor, mechanic or spectator, post here, there are many motorsports out there that not everyone knows about!!
Ill start With
GRASSTRACK
What is Grasstrack racing? Grasstrack is basically the same as Speedway only it is run on grass or what used to be grass.8-12 solos or 6 sidecars per race over 4 laps, finals are usually 6 laps. The race tracks are usually about 450 to 600 metres in length and mostly flat, but owing to land conditions a few undulations and bumps are inevitable. Some areas being worse than others.
How do I start racing? First join a club, affiliated to the ACU. Ask any rider at a meeting for details or e-mail me and I will put you in contact with your local club (UK). Entry forms (regulations) can be found in the centre gazettes sent to you every month by the club secretary.
What about a bike? You will need a bike!(unless you want to be a passenger).This can be either a solo or a sidecar machine. Solo's are run in 3 engine sizes, 250/350/500cc. Sidecars vary, the continental class use 500cc solo derived engines, 1000cc right (or if your crazy enough left) hand sidecars usually use four cylinder road bike engines tuned to various power levels by their owners. Solos and sidecars can usually be found for sale at race meetings. As for prices, you get what you pay for. Unless you can find a sponsor.
How much does it cost? Race entries are about £25 for a solo and around £35 for sidecars, this includes insurance and entry tickets for rider and mechanic (and passenger for sidecars). For this you get a minimum of 2 practice laps and usually 3 races, plus finals if you are good enough. Finals usually have cash prizes.
What about running costs ? Methanol fuel costs about £7.50 for 4.5 litres Most riders use about 10 litres per meeting including practice and racing. Tyres for solo's and sidecars are about £30 each and last about 3 meeting. Most riders use new tyres for each meeting some using several per day!. Other consumable items such as chains, oil, filters etc. Are renewed as and when required.
Clothing? A full leather or kevlar racing suit must be worn, prices vary £200 to £400 a time, but last well. An approved helmet is required, price...how much is your head worth ? Full length boots are worn as are gloves and goggles. Again second hand race clothing can often be found at race meetings.
Ive olny raced in one meeting as a passenger to a 1000cc sidecar!! One of the best things ive done!!
For more info: http://www.sidecarspeedway.com
Ill start With
GRASSTRACK
What is Grasstrack racing? Grasstrack is basically the same as Speedway only it is run on grass or what used to be grass.8-12 solos or 6 sidecars per race over 4 laps, finals are usually 6 laps. The race tracks are usually about 450 to 600 metres in length and mostly flat, but owing to land conditions a few undulations and bumps are inevitable. Some areas being worse than others.
How do I start racing? First join a club, affiliated to the ACU. Ask any rider at a meeting for details or e-mail me and I will put you in contact with your local club (UK). Entry forms (regulations) can be found in the centre gazettes sent to you every month by the club secretary.
What about a bike? You will need a bike!(unless you want to be a passenger).This can be either a solo or a sidecar machine. Solo's are run in 3 engine sizes, 250/350/500cc. Sidecars vary, the continental class use 500cc solo derived engines, 1000cc right (or if your crazy enough left) hand sidecars usually use four cylinder road bike engines tuned to various power levels by their owners. Solos and sidecars can usually be found for sale at race meetings. As for prices, you get what you pay for. Unless you can find a sponsor.
How much does it cost? Race entries are about £25 for a solo and around £35 for sidecars, this includes insurance and entry tickets for rider and mechanic (and passenger for sidecars). For this you get a minimum of 2 practice laps and usually 3 races, plus finals if you are good enough. Finals usually have cash prizes.
What about running costs ? Methanol fuel costs about £7.50 for 4.5 litres Most riders use about 10 litres per meeting including practice and racing. Tyres for solo's and sidecars are about £30 each and last about 3 meeting. Most riders use new tyres for each meeting some using several per day!. Other consumable items such as chains, oil, filters etc. Are renewed as and when required.
Clothing? A full leather or kevlar racing suit must be worn, prices vary £200 to £400 a time, but last well. An approved helmet is required, price...how much is your head worth ? Full length boots are worn as are gloves and goggles. Again second hand race clothing can often be found at race meetings.
Ive olny raced in one meeting as a passenger to a 1000cc sidecar!! One of the best things ive done!!
For more info: http://www.sidecarspeedway.com