Flat track, also referred to as "dirt track", is one of the oldest and most traditional formulas of motorcycle racing. Establishing itself around the same time as the European speedway, the American deviation offers a little more variation by running on mile, half mile, short tracks and TT courses.

The bikes can negotiate turns in both directions, and gears allow for small and big turns. Almost any bike can be used and it is a true rider formula. The important ingredients are the combination of the smooth tires and the flat surface, leading to spectacular drifting at all times. As a result, the excellent bike control gained in flat track racing has led to many great road racers like Kenny Roberts and Eddy Lawson.

With the methanol powered specials setting the benchmark in Europe, there appears to be no need for another speedway class. Although Flat track is more accessible than the classic speedway, and offers more versatile bike control, the European scene is still trying to get a foot on the ground and establish itself. The first championships were found in Italy, Germany & the Netherlands. And England has joined recently and is growing very fast with great promotion and international rider fields. Up till now, the sport hasn't been recognised by the FIM, and therefore relies on the small groups of fascinated local racers. With purpose build bikes and tracks still very scarce, compromises in regulations are sought to allow different riders to compete, sometimes sacrificing a few of the basic ingredients.

In the Netherlands you will find mainly moto-x bikes racing on rough grass ovals, without too much drifting going on. The riders fields are very big, and mainly locals. In Italy there are some American framed short track bikes around and very well prepared short speedway tracks. Unfortunately the Italian motorcycle federation sees flat track as an intruder to the classic speedway, and you will not find much support. Currently there's no championship. Germany has some fantastic long tracks, and has experienced great championships with big international fields. Freeing up regulations for Enduro tires to allow the Dutch to compete, seems to have lost the drifting spectacle and interest is in decline. Currently they are regrouping and we hope they will come back strong! England is sticking as much as possible to the basic American regulations, and with good promotional work, they seem to be leading the European flat track scene at the moment.

Flat track racing in America:

AMA Flat Track	Tracks	Gallery	US Bikes	AMA history