Motorcycle Racing

The rise of a sport

By Timothy Steffes

Many variations of the motorcycle race exist - some newly invented and some over one hundred years old. To simplify the choices of motorcycle racing, think dirt or pavement.

The premier organization for motorcycle racing is the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycling Federation), or FIM. This governing body oversees the highest tier of all styles of motorcycling racing, yet is most often mentioned in the same breath as Grand Prix or Moto-GP.

Moto-GP is the world championship series of closed circuit asphalt motorcycle racing, referred to as road racing. The graceful arcs and the knees of the riders skimming off the tarmac demand the attention of a casual observer. The series allows teams to compete on four stroke prototype motorcycles with a maximum displacement of 800cc. Historically, these prototypes were 500cc two strokes, and the change to four stroke was intended to assist in the technology trickling down from racetrack to street. These motorcycles typically weigh between 330 and 360 pounds and develop close to 250 horsepower measured at the rear wheel.

Arguably, the next lower rung on the motorcycle road racing ladder is the World Superbike series. This series uses highly tuned versions of motorcycle available to the public and subscribes to the age old phrase "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday." These motorcycles look outwardly very close to the showroom model, but do not share much else. Most larger countries have a national series of superbike racing such as the American Motorcycle Association's races and the Brittish Superbike series.

In 1907, a traditional race held on the Isle of Man was begun and it endures to this day. The race, known as the TT or Tourist Trophy, traverses 37 miles of public roads on the island. The race is no longer part of any organized series or championship, but the sheer peril the competitor faces and the longevity of the race places this particular competition in the highest regard. Each year racers are killed on the circuit, and now and again, spectators are harmed as well. Against growing protests, these races continue in spite of their relevance and danger.

Called sprinting in Europe and drag racing in the United States, the straight-line acceleration of two machines is most likely familiar with most race fans. From the top fuel stretched and enclosed motorcycles seen on the Wide World of Sports to the "Run what you Brung" bracket racing, drag racing is as popular as ever. This type of racing tests the reaction times of the rider, the grip of the tires and the outright speed of the machines.

Although the skills are interchangeable, most motorcycle enthusiasts divide themselves into the above "street" category or the "dirt" or "off-road" category. Motocross, supercross, trials and desert racing all transpire on unpaved surfaces and require a motorcycle with tall suspension and knobby tires. Motocross, and its cousin super or arena cross, is just a race on dirt, with some obstacles consisting of mounds or hills to try the skill of the racer. A trials motorcycle is a very lightweight, stripped-down machine used to overcome rugged terrain, with an added focus on the rider's ability to traverse huge obstacles without placing a boot on the ground. While not a race, trials competition requires extreme control and finesse.

While still holding races on dirt, flat-track or dirt-track races resemble road races more than motocross. A flat-track course is usually a 1-mile oval made from compacted clay-like dirt. The competitors’ motorcycles are lightweight combinations of road and dirt machine. The rider in this type of race speeds down the straight portion of the track, pitches the bike to its left while steering the handlebars to the right, and places a special metal-covered boot to his inside. The resulting slide carries the rider to the next straight section, where full throttle is applied. These motorcycles rarely have front brakes and use specially cut knobby tires with a street bike profile.

In the late ’70s, a hybrid race was developed and dubbed “The Superbikers.” This event combines motocross, flat-track and road racing by using a track with one third dedicated to each discipline. High profile riders from each type of racing were pitted against each other purely for fun and entertainment.

Recently, a resurgence of this type of racing has taken hold, called Supermoto. This type of racing has about one quarter of the track composed of dirt and the rest made of asphalt. These racers use street tires and have perfected a controlled slide on the pavement portion of the track that has proven highly entertaining to watch. To date, both former motocross and road racing stars have been successful in this new forum.

Where motors are attached to machines, there will be racing. With the varied and diverse types of competition, fan favorites come and go. Access to these sports is plentiful, and grass roots versions of all these styles of competition can be found close to any city in the country. Adding to the excitement is the vintage version of every category of racing, which adds nostalgia and conservation to the racing community. Enjoy these races and plan on becoming hooked on at least one of them!

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

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