Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125619
Where It Seems To Be At The speedway machine is the essential motorcycle. It is only two skinny wheels and a giant motor, wired together by the skimpiest frame, controlled by divining rod handlebars. It has a throttle, and sometimes a clutch. But there is no gearbox, no brakes, and practically zero conveniences for the rider. The speedway hike has one footrest on the right side and occasionally a hook on the topframe tube to grip the rider's right knee during slides. The kind of action speedway racing provides is of the same essential nature. It is entirely man versus man, for the machines almost always are capable of more performance than anyone can use. The action takes place in the turns, and ideally. the speedway is oval shaped allowing for one big turn, around and around for four laps per race. Accomplished speedway artists circle the track in a bunch, often touching each other, as they manipulate their handlebars bard on right lock in one big perpetual save from flag to flag. Speedway racing was big time in the U.S. during the depression-trodden 'thirties and even shortly after the war. America produced speedway world champions (see Jack Milne profile in this issue) and the races packed 'em in seven nights a week. special speedway machines such as the Harley-Davidson and Crocker motorcycles were manufactured in this country for the sport. A MOTORCYCLE Racing ~~~I Where Did It Go? Then it au ended in the U.S. Why? The best answer we can find is that, as racers improved their skills, someone discovered how to get around the track faster without crossing up. Soon everyone copied the style and the spectacular slides with their resultant rooster-tails were gone from the show. After that, AMA Class C type moditied production . races offered a better show, plus a certain amount of brand name rivalry. Class A (speedway) racing died out and Class C took over. There was a lean period trom about 1959 to 1965 in speedway racing throughout the world, but it never died out completely. There is no mystery why speedway has survived as a spectator attraction, nor any wonder that it is enjoying a strong revival now in the U.S. It's always been a purely professional showfast paced, hotly raced and well showcased. Now That It's Here. Where's It Going? Where U.S. speedway will go from here is anybody's guess. Already promoters are planning a western circuit to take in L.A .• San Francisco, Seattle and points· in between. There is talk of a portahle speedway track, that can be set up and taken down in a few hours and used anywhere. Certainly the men who manage to put together such a speedway show as is now being planned will cash in heavily. Whether the opportunity will be handled to its profitable conclusion only remains to be seen. . .- ~\,~ Orange CO. Free Parking Free Program Free Picnicin JUNE 13th Gafes Open 1:plI C.sta .es. start 8:plI Admission Adults - $2.50 Kids (8-12) $1.50 Under 8 FREE P'ayground area for f'e Kids