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Motorcycle Grasstrack is a form of which typically, in its current form, takes place on a flat track consisting of two straights and two bends usually constructed in a field. It is one of the oldest types of motorcycle sports in the UK with the first meetings having taken place in the 1920s.


History
In the United Kingdom, kidney-shaped circuits were sometimes used to include a right hand bend, and undulating hillsides were also used to increase the challenge for riders. The events traditionally occurred after haymaking and before harvesting season on newly-cut fields. Postwar grasstrack circuits included "permanent" venues such as and which were not simple oval shapes, although solo motorcycle races were run in an anti-clockwise direction. Later, these were converted into tarmac circuits with races using the more common clockwise direction associated with modern roadracing.

In the modern era, it is generally similar to Speedway with races usually taking place over 4 laps from a standing start. Unlike Speedway, which has 4 riders per race, Grasstrack racing can have many riders in each heat and the circuit is normally longer allowing higher speeds. Grasstrack has three solo classes, 250 cc, 350 cc and 500 cc together with three sidecar classes; left-handed 500 cc and 1000 cc (turning left) and right-handed 1000 cc (turning right).

The British Grasstrack season usually starts in early spring around the Easter holidays and runs through the summer/autumn months. More spectacular racing takes place at larger roped tracks including the Poacher and ASTRA Champion of Champions and Grand Slam meetings in Kent and in particular the most exciting meeting of all at the famous circuit.

The pinnacle of the domestic Grasstrack season is the British Masters Championships. This official championship is where the British champion is crowned in the mainstream 500 cc solo and 1000 cc right hand sidecar classes. Many famous Speedway riders such as 1976 world champion Peter Collins started their racing careers in Grasstrack. Some Speedway riders continue to take part in national Grasstrack meetings when their schedule permits. Grand Prix road racers and also began their racing careers in grass track competitions. Other competitors from the postwar era included now-famous names such as Bernie Ecclestone and .

In Europe the same sport is often called Long Track racing. This is exactly the same setup as British grasstrack which has tracks normally around 600–800 meters in length, but is held on the continent with tracks up to 1000–1200 meters in length and with speeds reaching 90 mph – 100 mph. The machinery used is the same as are the riders.


Grasstrack motorcycles
Grasstrack racing motorcycles look quite similar to Speedway machines but there are different engine capacity limits for each class. In the UK there are classes for 250 cc (normally 2 stroke engines), 350 cc and 500 cc bikes (usually 4-stroke engines). Unlike Speedway bikes which have no gears, Grasstrack bikes usually have a 2 speed gearbox. Both Speedway and Grasstrack bike have no brakes. The only other main difference is that speedway bikes have no rear suspension and are shorter in length, usually by around 10–12 inches.

Also there is a class called Pre-75. These are bikes that have been made before 1975. The three classes in Pre-75, are 250, 350 and 500 cc.

As well as solo racing, sidecar racing is also quite popular and often very spectacular. There are mainly three recognised classes, 500 cc (using solo 4-stroke engines) and two 1000 cc classes (using stock road bike engines). Again, they all run on methanol, and the 500 cc class and the 1000cc Lefthand sidecar class run anti-clockwise around the oval track, and the 1000 cc class clockwise. The reason behind the difference in direction is often asked, the main reason being the origin of each class. The 500cc sidecars having been developed in mainland Europe, where drivers drive on the right of the road. The 1000cc sidecar has been developed in the UK where road users drive on the left. Therefore, the sidecar wheel is always found on the nearside of the vehicle.

The fastest recorded oval lap record is held by UK's Kelvin Tatum MBE at Rastede (1000 m Grass/Sand surface) in Germany at an average speed of 144.31 km/h.


Junior Grasstrack
Riders can start in Grasstrack racing at a young age (6 years old in the UK). Junior Grasstrack clubs cater for riders with bikes as well as Grasstrack machines.

The ACU hold a National Youth Championship each season.

Current ACU British Youth Champions


Organisation
Whilst there are several Grasstrack racing clubs in the UK, the sport is regulated by the governing body of British motorcycle sport, the ( ACU) who organise an annual British championship.


British Championships
The British Grasstrack Championships take place at two separate events. The 250 cc and 350 cc solo, 500 cc sidecar and 1000 cc Left Hand sidecar championships take place at the ACU British National Championships. The 500 cc Solos and 1000 cc Right Hand Sidecar Champions are decided at the ACU British Masters Championships. Qualification for the National Championships are by way of a National Gradings List. There is a British Masters Qualifying event held to determine qualification for the British Masters Final event.

The British Championships are important events, particularly for 500 cc solo and 500 cc sidecar riders. The results of the championships determine who is to represent the nation on an international level for the FIM World Longtrack Championships and the UEM European Sidecar Championships. More recently a World Championship has emerged for 1000 cc Right Hand sidecars. Qualification is determined on results from both the British Masters event and the British Sidecar Speedway Championships. Many 500 cc solo riders race Grasstrack for their profession, therefore a good result in the British Masters is essential.


British Masters Championship
500cc Solo

YearFirstSecondThird
1982Steve SchofieldSean Wilmott
1983Steve Schofield
1984
1985Peter Carr
1986
1987Nigel Da'Ath
1988Steve Schofield
1989Clayton WilliamsPaul Fry
1990Paul Fry
1991
1992Steve Schofield
1993
1994Steve Schofield
1995
1996Steve Schofield
1997
1998cancelled due to Weather
1999
2000Glenn Cunningham
2001/Glenn Cunningham
2002
2003Matt Read
2004Jason Handley
2005Jason HandleyDavid Howe
2006Richard SmithJamie Rodgers
2007Glen Phillips
2008Jason HandleyPaul CooperGlen Phillips
2009Lewis DenhamJamie Rodgers
2010Jamie RodgersTim Nobes
2011Glen PhillipsTom Perry
2012Tom PerryGlen Phillips
2013Paul Cooper
2014David HowePaul Cooper
2015James Wright
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020cancelled due to Covid
2021Chris HarrisMitch Godden

1000cc Sidecar

YearFirstSecondThird
1982Dave Manning & Peter BlankePete Brown & John MorronSteve Smith & Trevor Pye
1983Steve Smith & Trevor PyeRoger Measor & Jeff MeasorTed Tucker & Dave Ward
1984Alan Blewitt & Barry MetcalfeSteve Dewison & Chris BrownTed Tucker & Dave Ward
1985Roger Measor & Dave HarrisPete Brown & Craig CheetamSteve Dewison & Chris Brown
1986Roger Measor & Dave HarrisKen Lane & Paul UryczSteve Dewison & Dave Ward
1987Steve Dewison & Dave WardRoger Measor & Dave HarrisDave Manning & Peter Blanke
1988Steve Dewison & Dave WardRoger Measor & Dave HarrisRichard Piggott & Tony Angelico
1989Steve Dewison & Dave WardRichard Piggott & Tony AngelicoAlan Blewitt & John Blewitt
1990Steve Smith & Keith WallRoger Measor & Steve BaileyAlan Blewitt & John Blewitt
1991Richard Piggott & Martin BaileyRoger Measor & Steve BaileyRussel Ing & Paul Urycz
1992Ken Lane & Mark EdwardsRussel Ing & Paul UryczGary Jackson & Kevin Williams
1993Ivor Matthews & Peter JonesRussel Ing & Paul UryczKen Lane & Mark Edwards
1994Roger Measor & Shane LaphamIvor Matthews & Peter JonesGary Jackson & Kevin Williams
1995Roger Measor & Shane LaphamMark Edwards & Nick WaltersGary Jackson & Mick Stace
1996Gary Jackson & Mick StaceMark Edwards & Nick WaltersRoger Measor & Shane Lapham
1997Gary Jackson & Mick StaceRob Wilson & Tony MilesJohn Halsey & Jason Glenie
1998cancelled due to Weather
1999John Halsey & Jason GlenieGary Jackson & Carl PughRob Wilson & Tony Miles
2000Rob Wilson & Tony MilesColin Blackbourn & Martin BaileyIvor Matthews & Symon Wall
2001Rob Bradley & Tris Winterburn/Gary Jackson & Carl PughJohn Halsey & Jason Glenie
2002John Halsey & Jason GlenieGary Jackson & Carl PughIvor Matthews & Tony Miles
2003Rob Bradley & Tris WinterburnJohn Halsey & Jason GlenieRob Wilson & Ian Whale
2004Paul Whitelam & Kevin JonesRob Bradley & Jason GillMatt Fumarola & Andi Wilson
2005Rob Wilson & Ian WhaleJohn Halsey & Jason GleniePaul Whitelam & Terry Saunters
2006Rob Bradley & Shaun SimpsonRob Wilson & Nicky OwenDuncan Tolhurst & Rob Patterson
2007Colin Blackbourn & Paul Whitelam JrSteve Smith & Carl PughIvor Matthews & Tony Miles
2008Rob Bradley & Shaun SimpsonPaul Whitelam & Alan ElliottRob Wilson & Terry Saunters
2009Mark Cossar & Tom CossarColin Blackbourn & Martyn SmithRod Winterburn & Liam Brown
2010Mark Cossar & Carl BlythRob Bradley & Shaun SimpsonPaul Whitelam & Alan Elliott
2011Rod Winterburn & Liam BrownMark Cossar & Carl BlythRob Bradley & Shaun Simpson
2012Mark Cossar & Carl BlythRob Bradley & Shaun SimpsonPaul Whitelam & Alan Elliott
2013Mark Cossar & Carl BlythRob Wilson & Terry SauntersRob Bradley & Shaun Simpson
2014Rod Winterburn & Liam BrownMark Cossar & Carl BlythGareth Winterburn & Billy Winterburn
2015Colin Blackbourn & Carl PughMark Cossar & Carl BlythGareth Winterburn & Billy Winterburn
2016Rod Winterburn & Billy WinterburnMark Cossar & Carl BlythGareth Winterburn & Liam Brown
2017Mark Cossar & Carl BlythRod Winterburn & Billy WinterburnGareth Winterburn & Liam Brown
2018Gareth Winterburn & Liam BrownMark Cossar & Carl BlythRod Winterburn & Billy Winterburn
2019Gareth Winterburn & Liam BrownMark Cossar & Carl BlythColin Blackbourn & Carl Pugh
2020cancelled due to Covid
2021Mark Cossar & Gareth WilliamsGareth Winterburn & Liam BrownTom Cossar & Wayne Rickards


British Grasstrack Championship
Current ACU British Grasstrack Champions


World Championships
The FIM, the World's motorcycle racing authority run a World Longtrack series as well as a World Team Cup. Although both events are named 'Longtrack', they often are competed for on Grass. The World Longtrack series competitors must either qualify by finishing high enough up the standings the previous year, be selected by the FIM for a 'Wild Card', or compete in a series of qualifiers and the 'Challenge' meeting, held annually.

The World Team Cup involves each team consisting of 3 riders racing each other for points. The top team at the end is the winner.

The 1000cc Right Hand Sidecars also have their own World Championship, previously known as the 'Sidecar World Cup' and 'Sidecar Gold Cup'. The event usually takes place on speedway circuits, with Sidecar Speedway machines being mostly used.


World Longtrack Championships

World Sidecar Championship
YearVenueWinnersSecondThird
2005abandoned due to weather
2006Isle of WightScott Christopher & Trent KoppeGary Jackson & Carl BlythRob Wilson & Nicky Owen
2007Mick Headland & Paul WatersGary Moon & Duane DennisMark Plaisted & Sam Harrison
2008Darrin Treloar & Justin PlaistedRick House & Adam CommonsDavid Bottrell & Ben Pitt
2009Mick Headland & Paul WatersGary Moon & Josh SinnottRob Wilson & Terry Saunters
2010Mick Headland & Jesse HeadlandGary Jackson & Henry RogersRichard Moore & Rick McAuley
2011Murray BridgeDarrin Treloar & Jesse HeadlandGlenn O'Brien & Aaron MaynardGrant Bond & Glenn Cox
2016GillmanDarrin Treloar & Blake CoxTrent Headland & Daz WhetstoneMick Headland & Jesse Headland
2017Gillman & Andrew SummerhayesDarrin Treloar & Blake CoxAndrew Buchanan & Denny Cox
2018GillmanDarrin Treloar & Jesse HeadlandMark Mitchell & Tony CarterAndrew Buchanan & Denny Cox
2019Gillman & Andrew SummerhayesMark Plaisted & Ben PittDarrin Treloar & Blake Cox
2020cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic


European Championships
hold European Championships for both the 500cc Solos and 500cc Sidecar classes. Qualification for both events is through one of the semi-finals, before a One Day Final, where the winner of the 'A' Final at the end of the event is crowned European Champion.


European Solo Championship
YearVenueFirstSecondThird
1978
1979Gunther Brackland
1980
1981Artigues de Lussac
1982
1983
1984
1985Tommy Brock
1986Steve Schofield
1987Roman MatoušekBob Dolman
1988Will JamesKent Noer
1989Kent Noer
1990Kent Noer
1991
1992AlkenAnne van der HelmVaclav Milik
1993Armando Dal Chiele
1994Anne van der HelmSteve Schofield
1995Anne van der Helm
1996Saint-Colomb-de-LauzunSteve SchofieldZdeněk Schneiderwind
1997No Championship
1998Zdeněk Schneiderwind
1999Zdeněk SchneiderwindVladimir Trofimov
2000Saint-Colomb-de-LauzunZdeněk Schneiderwind
2001NoordwoldeZdeněk Schneiderwind
2002Zdeněk Schneiderwind
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008Stephane Tresarrieu
2009Stephane TresarrieuGlen Phillips
2010
2011WainfleetJannick de Jong
2012Jannick de Jong
2013Jannick de Jong
2014St. MacaireJannick de JongDavid Howe
2015Jannick de Jong
2016Mathieu Tresarrieu
2017
2018TayacDimitri Berge
2019Kenneth Hansen
2020TayacMathieu Tresarrieu
2021cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2022due to take place on 7 August 2022


European Sidecar Championship
YearVenueFirstSecondThird
1980Otto Bauer & Peter Stiegelbrunner & & Rosamunde Datzmann
1981 & Rosamunde Datzmann & Hans Werner KempaOtto Bauer & Peter Stiegelbrunner
1982 & Rosamunde Datzmann & &
1983 & Rosamunde Datzmann & &
1984 & Rosamunde Datzmann & &
1985 & & &
1986 & & &
1987Valence & & &
1988 & & & Erik van Dijk
1989 & & &
1990 & Robert Wolf & & Heinz Brandt
1991 & Robert Wolf & &
1992 & Walter Huber & Laurent Sambarrey &
1993 & & &
1994Marco Glorie & Harry Drenth & &
1995 & Wolfgang Maier & Stefan Muller &
1996 & Marco Hundsrucker & &
1997 & & Marco Hundsrucker &
1998 & & &
1999 & & &
2000 & Martin Wamprechtshammer & &
2001 & Marco Hundsrucker & &
2002 & Martin WamprechtshammerWilliam Matthijsen & &
2003 & & William Matthijsen &
2004 & & William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen
2005 & William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen &
2006 & Markus Brandhofer & &
2007William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen & Florian Niedermeier &
2008 & William Matthijsen & Nathalie MatthijssenStefan Brandhofer & Marco Hundsrucker
2009William Matthijsen & Nathalie Matthijssen & Markus Brandhofer &
2010 & William Matthijssen & &
2011NoordwoldeWilliam Matthijssen & Nathalie Matthijssen & Bonita van DijkStefan Brandhofer &
2012 & & Stefan Brandhofer &
2013 & William Matthijssen & Nathalie StellingwerfChristophe Grenier &
2014Josh Goodwin & Liam Brown & &
2015cancelled due to accident during practice
2016VriesWilliam Matthijssen & & Markus Brandhofer &
2017TayacWilliam Matthijssen & Markus Brandhofer & &
2018William Matthijssen & & Paul Smith &
2019William Matthijssen & & & Paul Smith
2020cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic


National Championships
A number of countries, where the sport of Grasstrack, and Longtrack, are popular, hold National Championships for a number of different classes. In Great Britain, the 500cc Solos and 1000cc Sidecars have their own Championship, whereas the 250cc, 350cc Solos and 500cc & 1000cc Left-Handed Sidecar champions are decided in a separate event. Other classes, such as Youth and Vintage machines also have their own championships.

Some of the more prestigious National Championships include:

French Grasstrack Championship 
British Masters
British Grasstrack Championships
Dutch Grasstrack Solo Championship
Dutch Grasstrack Sidecar Championship

A number of these countries also hold a National Longtrack Championship


See also


External links
  • Https://www.fim-moto.com/en/
  • http://www.acu.org.uk/
  • http://grasstrackgb.co.uk/

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