What is  grass track?

Grass track racing is a family orientated motorcycle sport catering for riders from the age of 6 years.
Races take place on a flat grass oval which is approximately 400 metres in length, usually consisting of either six or eight riders and are run from a standing start over four laps. At the Yorkshire Junior Grasstrack Club you can normally expect eight races per class at each meeting – certainly no time to get bored!

Andrew Whittiker

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. 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 125 and unlimited adult 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.

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 helmet, boots, upper body protectors, gloves and goggles.

Tobias Hosker  & Jamie Garbutt

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.

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.

Jack Parkinson

Tempted?

Come and have a chat at our next meeting – we’ll be delighted to meet you or feel free to contact us if you would like further information. You can write to the club at the address below:

Katrina Robson,
5 Strawberry Bank
Liversedge
West Yorkshire
WF15 6JT

Telephone: 07765 792836  (6.00pm-9.00pm weekdays) (weekends anytime)