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grasstrack racing grass track
racing motorcycle grass track racing
Starting Junior Motorcycle Grasstrack Racing
What is Junior grass track?
Grasstrack racing is one of Britain's longest established motor cycle sports
with the first organised meetings taking place in the 1920's .
Junior grass track racing is a family orientated motorcycle sport catering for
riders from the age of 6 to 16 years. Races take place on a flat grass oval
which is approximately 400 metres in length, usually up to twelve riders
per class and are run from a standing start over four laps. At the
Lancashire Grasstrack Junior Riders Club you can normally expect six races per class at each
meeting – certainly no time to get bored!
In Britain Youth riders can race at the age of six years under carefully
controlled conditions. They can progress through higher age groups with gradual
increases in the power of the motorcycles used. at 15 they can, if they wish,
ride 350 solo machines with the adults.
Grass track motorcycles
Most closely related to a Speedway bike, a true grass track machine consists of
a special lightweight tubular frame which will usually have a longer wheelbase
and much lower seat height than a motocross machine. The riding techniques are
similar to speedway but all grass track meetings have a number of classes. Unlike Speedway machines,
grass track bikes have suspension and, in most cases, a gearbox. Commonly known
as a ‘slider’ (after the preferred cornering technique for this type of bike!),
the traditional grass track motorcycle is quite a special piece of machinery.
Many junior bikes use motocross derived 2-stroke engines, but 4-stroke machines
are still popular in several classes. In an effort to encourage more young
riders to the sport, there are now separate classes for 65, 85 and 125cc
motocross machines which require no modification to take part. Our youngest
riders take part on automatic 50cc bikes which are an excellent introduction to
the sport.
Safety
Grass track racing is fast. Unlike motocross, where tracks are purposely
designed to keep top speeds down, junior grass track riders can always enjoy
high-speed action! –yet the sport sees relatively few serious injuries.
Qualified medical personnel are on hand at every meeting and the safety
guidelines laid down by the sport’s governing body, the ACU, are strictly
followed. Riders wear full protective gear including ACU gold label helmet, boots, back protector
(mx style body armour not suitable), gloves and goggles.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other forms of junior motor sport, grass track can still be
relatively inexpensive. A grass oval circuit is a great ‘leveller’ and the skill
of a rider is usually far more important than the necessity for the very latest
in machinery. Many of our current riders started on motocross machines which
they already owned, some choose to progress on to specialist grass bikes, others
preferring to stay with the motocross classes. Machines are often for sale at
club meetings or keep an eye on our sales and wants page. As with all forms of
motorsport, don’t be tempted to skimp on safety gear. Quality protective
clothing can be expensive, but is the most worthwhile investment you will make.
How do you get involved?
Before you think about buying your child a suitable machine to start racing, why
not visit one of our meetings where you can find out more about the sport.
Junior grass track parents are a friendly bunch who will be more than delighted
to offer you advice and information.
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