Grasstrack
Encyclopedia
Motorcycle Grasstrack is a form of motorcycle racing which typically, in its current form, takes place on a flat track consisting of two straights and two bends usually constructed in a field. Mountain and hillside tracks are also common in the UK, creating more technically demanding circuits. It is one of the oldest types of motorcycle sports in the UK with the first meetings having taken place in the 1920s. Postwar grasstrack circuits included "permanent" venues such as Brands Hatch and Mallory Park 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. Competitors of the postwar era included now-famous names such as Bernie Ecclestone and Murray Walker. 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).
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.
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 Rhodes Minnis
circuit.
The pinnacle of the domestic Grasstrack season is the British Masters Championships. This official ACU championship is where the British champion is crowned in the mainstream 500 cc solo and 1000 cc right hand sidecar classes. The current British Masters champions are Andrew Appleton (500 cc solo) and Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth (1000 cc RH Sidecar).
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.
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-stoke 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.
bikes as well as Grasstrack machines.
(ACU) who organise an annual British championship.
The current ACU British Champions are Harland Cook (250 cc Solo), Richard Smith (350 cc Solo) Andrew Appleton (500 cc Solo), Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg (500 cc Sidecar), Dave Penfold/Richard Webb (1000 cc Left Hand Sidecar) and Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth (1000 cc Right Hand Sidecar). The ACU British Under 21 Champion is Tom Perry.
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.
, 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 qualify through a series of Qualifiers. Riders must be selected by their nations motorcycling authority. Riders then must compete in Qualifying rounds and hotly contested Semi Finals before reaching the World Longtrack series proper. 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. Germany
have won this event both times it has been run.
The UEM
hold a European Grasstrack championship, where qualification is similar to the World Longtrack. However, the competition culminates on a one day event. The UEM also holds a European Championship for sidecar competitors. 500 cc sidecar machines from several countries compete in 2 semi finals, and the championship is decided on a one day final.
Many famous Speedway riders such as 1976 world champion Peter Collins
Peter Collins (speedway rider)
Peter Spencer Collins MBE is a former Speedway rider who spent his whole career with the Belle Vue Aces, the team he supported as a child...
started their racing careers in Grasstrack. Some Speedway riders continue to take part in national Grasstrack meetings when their schedule permits.
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 Rhodes Minnis
Rhodes Minnis
Rhodes Minnis is a village near Folkestone in Kent, England....
circuit.
The pinnacle of the domestic Grasstrack season is the British Masters Championships. This official ACU championship is where the British champion is crowned in the mainstream 500 cc solo and 1000 cc right hand sidecar classes. The current British Masters champions are Andrew Appleton (500 cc solo) and Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth (1000 cc RH Sidecar).
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 SpeedwayMotorcycle speedway
Motorcycle speedway, usually referred to as speedway, is a motorcycle sport involving four and sometimes up to six riders competing over four anti-clockwise laps of an oval circuit. Speedway motorcycles use only one gear and have no brakes and racing takes place on a flat oval track usually...
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-stoke 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 racing
Riders can start in Grasstrack racing at a young age (6 years old in the UK). Junior Grasstrack clubs cater for riders with motocrossMotocross
Motocross is a form of motorcycle sport or all-terrain vehicle racing held on enclosed off road circuits. It evolved from trials, and was called scrambles, and later motocross, combining the French moto with cross-country...
bikes as well as Grasstrack machines.
Organisation
Whilst there are several Grasstrack racing clubs in the UK, the sport is regulated by the governing body of British motorcycle sport, the Auto Cycle UnionAutoCycle Union
The Auto-Cycle Union is governing body of motorcycle sport in Great Britain . Founded in 1903 and acquiring its current name in 1907 its aim was to develop motor sport through clubs and arrange touring facilities for members...
(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 current ACU British Champions are Harland Cook (250 cc Solo), Richard Smith (350 cc Solo) Andrew Appleton (500 cc Solo), Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg (500 cc Sidecar), Dave Penfold/Richard Webb (1000 cc Left Hand Sidecar) and Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth (1000 cc Right Hand Sidecar). The ACU British Under 21 Champion is Tom Perry.
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.
List of British Grasstrack Champions
Year | 250 cc Solo | 350 cc Solo | 500 cc Solo | 500 cc Sidecar | 1000 cc Sidecar | LH Sidecar |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Craig Drury | Jason Handley | Andrew Appleton | Josh Goodwin/Liam Brown | Rod Winterburn/Liam Brown | Dave Penfold/Richard Webb |
2010 | Harland Cook | Richard Smith Richard Smith Richard Smith may refer to:* Richard Smyth , also written Richard Smith, English Catholic scholar* Richard Smith , English Catholic Bishop, titular of Chalcedon in Asia Minor... |
Andrew Appleton | Shaun Harvey Shaun Harvey Shaun Antony Harvey is a British businessman and football executive. Harvey is the chief executive officer of Leeds United, as well as a club director. Prior to joining Leeds, Harvey was managing director at Bradford City... /Danny Hogg |
Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth | Dave Penfold/Richard Webb |
2009 | Harland Cook | Jason Handley | Lewis Denham | Nick Radley/Abi Radley | Mark Cossar/Tom Cossar | No Winners |
2008 | Paul Cooper Paul Cooper (speedway rider) Paul Cooper is a professional speedway rider for Sheffield Tigers.The 'Cooperman' was born in York and from an early age showed promise as a bike rider. He made his amateur debut in a race down Garrowby Hill which he narrowly won after his competitor James Stewart was ran over by a 40 tonne truck,... |
Richard Smith | Jason Handley | Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg | Rob Bradley/Shaun Simpson Shaun Simpson Shaun Simpson is a Scottish motocross racer.In 2010, Simpson competed for the KTM factory racing team managed by former world champion Stefan Everts in the F.I.M. MX2-GP World Championships. He finished in 8th place with three podium finishes... |
Terry Nicholas/Michael Raymond |
2007 | Paul Cooper Paul Cooper (speedway rider) Paul Cooper is a professional speedway rider for Sheffield Tigers.The 'Cooperman' was born in York and from an early age showed promise as a bike rider. He made his amateur debut in a race down Garrowby Hill which he narrowly won after his competitor James Stewart was ran over by a 40 tonne truck,... |
Jason Handley | Glen Phillips Glen Phillips (speedway rider) Glen Alan Phillips in Farnborough, Kent, is a speedway and Grasstrack rider in the United Kingdom, riding with the Isle of Wight Islanders in the Premier League.He has represented Great Britain at Under-21 level.-References:... |
Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg | Colin Blackbourn/Paul Whitelam Jnr | Terry Nicholas/Michael Raymond |
2006 | Neil Taylor | Jason Handley | Andrew Appleton | Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg | Rob Bradley/Shaun Simpson Shaun Simpson Shaun Simpson is a Scottish motocross racer.In 2010, Simpson competed for the KTM factory racing team managed by former world champion Stefan Everts in the F.I.M. MX2-GP World Championships. He finished in 8th place with three podium finishes... |
Martin Cuff/Steve North |
2005 | Lee Street | Jason Handley | Paul Hurry Paul Hurry Paul William George Hurry is a British international motorcycle speedway rider. Hurry began his racing career aged 16 with the Arena Essex Hammers in 1991. In 1994 he became British under 21 champion and in 2000 he finished in second place at the British Speedway Championship... |
Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg | Rob Wilson/Ian Whale | Tony Penfold/Steve Fish |
2004 | David Knowles | Lewis Denham | Paul Hurry Paul Hurry Paul William George Hurry is a British international motorcycle speedway rider. Hurry began his racing career aged 16 with the Arena Essex Hammers in 1991. In 1994 he became British under 21 champion and in 2000 he finished in second place at the British Speedway Championship... |
Shaun Harvey/Danny Hogg | Paul Whitelam/Kevin Jones | Tony Penfold/Carl Bell |
2003 | Adam Shipp | Paul Cooper Paul Cooper (speedway rider) Paul Cooper is a professional speedway rider for Sheffield Tigers.The 'Cooperman' was born in York and from an early age showed promise as a bike rider. He made his amateur debut in a race down Garrowby Hill which he narrowly won after his competitor James Stewart was ran over by a 40 tonne truck,... |
Joe Screen Joe Screen Joseph 'Joe' Screen , is a British international speedway rider who rides for the Glasgow Tigers in the British Premier League. In 2011 While pairing with James Grieves he won the Premier league Pairs For the Tigers... |
Lester Goodwin/Andrew Stevens | Rob Bradley/Tristan Winterburn | Hywel Phillips/Aled Thomas |
2002 | Adam Shipp | Jason Handley | Paul Hurry Paul Hurry Paul William George Hurry is a British international motorcycle speedway rider. Hurry began his racing career aged 16 with the Arena Essex Hammers in 1991. In 1994 he became British under 21 champion and in 2000 he finished in second place at the British Speedway Championship... |
Lester Goodwin/Andrew Stevens | John Halsey/Jason Glenie | Terry Nicholas/Mike Harrison |
2001 | Paul Cooper Paul Cooper (speedway rider) Paul Cooper is a professional speedway rider for Sheffield Tigers.The 'Cooperman' was born in York and from an early age showed promise as a bike rider. He made his amateur debut in a race down Garrowby Hill which he narrowly won after his competitor James Stewart was ran over by a 40 tonne truck,... |
Jason Handley | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... and Glenn Cunningham Glenn Cunningham (speedway rider) Glenn Cunningham in Bristol is a former International Speedway rider who rode for the Stoke Potters in the British Premier League.... (shared) |
Lester Goodwin/Andrew Stevens | Rob Bradley/Tristan Winterburn and Gary Jackson/Carl Pugh (shared) |
Hywel Phillips/Aled Thomas |
2000 | Lee Street | Tony Atkin | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
Lester Goodwin/Clive Goodwin | Rob Wilson/Tony Miles | Martin Cuff/Jason Relf |
1999 | Mark Wadsworth | Tony Atkin | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
Lester Goodwin/Clive Goodwin | John Halsey/Jason Glenie | Hywel Phillips/Jamie Moss |
1998 | Richard Smith | Jason Handley | Rained off-No Champion | Lester Goodwin/Clive Goodwin | Rained off-No Champions | Martin Cuff/Jason Relf |
1997 | Jason Stott | Tony Atkin | Paul Hurry Paul Hurry Paul William George Hurry is a British international motorcycle speedway rider. Hurry began his racing career aged 16 with the Arena Essex Hammers in 1991. In 1994 he became British under 21 champion and in 2000 he finished in second place at the British Speedway Championship... |
Paul Miller/Dave Collin | Gary Jackson/Mick Stace | Barry Geer/Robin Geer |
1996 | Mark Wadsworth | Jason Handley | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
Paul Miller/Dave Collin | Gary Jackson/Mick Stace | No Winners |
1995 | Carl Wilkes | Paul Hurry Paul Hurry Paul William George Hurry is a British international motorcycle speedway rider. Hurry began his racing career aged 16 with the Arena Essex Hammers in 1991. In 1994 he became British under 21 champion and in 2000 he finished in second place at the British Speedway Championship... |
Joe Screen Joe Screen Joseph 'Joe' Screen , is a British international speedway rider who rides for the Glasgow Tigers in the British Premier League. In 2011 While pairing with James Grieves he won the Premier league Pairs For the Tigers... |
Paul Miller/Lester Goodwin | Roger Measor/Shane Lapham | Neal Owen/Andrew Evans |
1994 | Mark Wadsworth | Tommy Palmer | Simon Cross Simon Cross .Simon James Cross is a former motorcycle speedway rider who spent most of his career with the Cradley Heath Heathens.... |
Kevin Leide/Dick Oldroyd | Roger Measor/Shane Lapham | Luke Patcholl/Julian Browning |
1993 | Graham Thomas | Tony Atkin | Mark Loram Mark Loram Mark Roysten Gregory Loram is a former British motorcycle speedway rider who started his career with the Hackney Kestrels in 1987. He is a former World Speedway Champion. In March 2007 Loram broke his thigh and dislocated his arm whilst riding in the opening fixture of the British Elite League... |
Brian Palmer/Scott Dunn | Ivor Matthews/Peter Jones | Bill Penfold/Nigel Shaw |
1992 | Graham Thomas | Andy Riley | Joe Screen Joe Screen Joseph 'Joe' Screen , is a British international speedway rider who rides for the Glasgow Tigers in the British Premier League. In 2011 While pairing with James Grieves he won the Premier league Pairs For the Tigers... |
Kevin Leide/Alan Pithouse | Ken Lane/Mark Edwards | Tommy Penfold/Liam Chivers |
1991 | Mark Wadsworth | Andy Riley | Mark Loram Mark Loram Mark Roysten Gregory Loram is a former British motorcycle speedway rider who started his career with the Hackney Kestrels in 1987. He is a former World Speedway Champion. In March 2007 Loram broke his thigh and dislocated his arm whilst riding in the opening fixture of the British Elite League... |
Cecil Taylor/Ian Thompson | Richard Piggott/Martin Bailey | John Fish/Gary Moore |
1990 | Mark Wadsworth | Andy Riley | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
Carl Squirrell/Lyn Green | Steve Smith/Keith Wall | Terry Patcholl/Luke Patcholl |
1989 | Mark Wadsworth | Joe Screen Joe Screen Joseph 'Joe' Screen , is a British international speedway rider who rides for the Glasgow Tigers in the British Premier League. In 2011 While pairing with James Grieves he won the Premier league Pairs For the Tigers... |
Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
Cecil Taylor/Alistair Haggarty | Steve Dewison/Dave Ward | Dave Penfold/Keith Miles |
1988 | Andy Phillips | Andy Phillips | Steve Schofield | Cecil Taylor/Tex Goodwin | Steve Dewison/Dave Ward | John Fish/Martin Smith |
1987 | Mark Wadsworth | Simon Cross Simon Cross .Simon James Cross is a former motorcycle speedway rider who spent most of his career with the Cradley Heath Heathens.... |
Martin Hagon | Cecil Taylor/Tex Goodwin | Steve Dewison/Dave Ward | Barry Huggett/Nigel Shaw |
1986 | Mark Wadsworth | Steve Schofield | Simon Cross Simon Cross .Simon James Cross is a former motorcycle speedway rider who spent most of his career with the Cradley Heath Heathens.... |
Nick Radley/Shaun Harvey | Roger Measor/Dave Harris | Ernie Penfold/Dave Apps |
1985 | Mark Wadsworth | Steve Schofield | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
Nick Radley/Chris O'Connell Chris O'Connell Christine "Chris" O’Connell from Limerick was the 12th president of the Camogie Association.-Background:Chris was described in the history of camogie in Limerick as " a member of the well known Limerick city GAA family that served St Patrick's club and the City Board." With her sister Phila she... |
Roger Measor/Dave Harris | Dave Penfold/Tom Penfold |
1984 | Mark Wadsworth | Steve Schofield | Martin Hagon | Nick Radley/Chris O'Connell Chris O'Connell Christine "Chris" O’Connell from Limerick was the 12th president of the Camogie Association.-Background:Chris was described in the history of camogie in Limerick as " a member of the well known Limerick city GAA family that served St Patrick's club and the City Board." With her sister Phila she... |
Alan Blewitt/Barry Metcalfe | Ernie Penfold/Dave Apps |
1983 | Mark Wadsworth | Steve Schofield | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
Cecil Taylor/Mal Goodwin | Steve Smith/Trevor Pye | Barry Huggett/Nigel Shaw |
1982 | Mark Wadsworth | Steve Schofield | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
Nick Radley/Chris O'Connell Chris O'Connell Christine "Chris" O’Connell from Limerick was the 12th president of the Camogie Association.-Background:Chris was described in the history of camogie in Limerick as " a member of the well known Limerick city GAA family that served St Patrick's club and the City Board." With her sister Phila she... |
Ted Tucker/Dave Ward | Jim Penfold/Steve Dempsey |
1981 | Dave Baybutt | Steve Schofield | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
Clyde Cardy/Allan Morrison | Dennis Teasdale/Keith Chapman | Mick Turrall/Tony Strivens |
1980 | Jeremy Doncaster Jeremy Doncaster Jeremy Doncaster is a former international motorcycle speedway rider who won the World Team Cup in 1989, top scoring for Great Britain with 13 points. He also finished in third place in the 1989 World Final... |
Steve Schofield | Trevor Banks | Steve Smith/Trevor Pye | Steve Smith/Trevor Pye | Ernie Penfold/Nigel Shaw |
1979 | Dave Baybutt | Clayton Williams | Trevor Banks | Clyde Cardy/Allan Morrison | Dave Heath/Ray Andrews | |
1978 | Mark Wadsworth | Gerald Short | Brian Webb Brian Webb Brian Webb is a graphic designer and director of Webb & Webb Design Limited.Brian Webb initially trained as a technical illustrator at Liverpool College of Art but quickly discovered words as well as pictures and moved on to Canterbury with the intention of working in television... |
Rob Stoneman/Rowland Broomfield | Steve Smith/Trevor Pye | |
1977 | Mark Nicholson | John Britcher | Chris Baybutt | No event | Ken Smith/Mick Burr | |
1976 | Chris Baybutt | John Britcher | Brian Maxted | No event | Ted Scott/John Atkinson | |
1975 | Dave Brown | Chris Morton Chris Morton Christopher John Morton MBE is a former motorcycle speedway rider. He rode bikes from a young age at the farm of Peter Collins' parents.-Brief career summary:... |
John Britcher | No event | Alan Artus/Graham Higgin | |
1974 | Chris Baybutt | Gerald Short | Chris Baybutt | No event | Ted Scott/John Atkinson | |
1973 | Dave Baybutt | Stan Luck | Brian Maxted | No event | Steve Smith/Roy French | |
1972 | Chris Baybutt | Peter Collins Peter Collins (speedway rider) Peter Spencer Collins MBE is a former Speedway rider who spent his whole career with the Belle Vue Aces, the team he supported as a child... |
Don Godden | No event | Cecil Taylor/Brian Knight | |
1971 | Tony Black | Peter Collins Peter Collins (speedway rider) Peter Spencer Collins MBE is a former Speedway rider who spent his whole career with the Belle Vue Aces, the team he supported as a child... |
Brian Maxted | No event | Roger Measor/Trevor Bullock | |
1970 | Mervyn Price | Chris Pusey | Chris Pusey | No event | Gerry Wheeler/John Holt | |
1969 | Dave Baybutt | Chris Pusey | Brian Maxted | No event | John Miell/David Miell | |
1968 | Chris Stewart | Bill Bridgett | Andy Ross | No event | Dave Hunter/Brian Cox | |
1967 | Fred Watts | Chris Stewart | Don Godden | No event | Mick Webster/John Justice | |
1966 | Don Godden | Tony Black | Tony Black | No event | Mick Webster/John Justice | |
1965 | No event | Tony Black | Don Godden | No event | Dave Hunter/Ivan Kitching | |
1964 | No event | Alf Hagon | Reg Luckhurst | No event | Bryan Rust/Dave Heath | |
1963 | No event | Alf Hagon | Reg Luckhurst | No event | Nigel Mead/Dave Hunter | |
1962 | No event | Alf Hagon | Alf Hagon | No event | Bryan Rust/Dave Heath | |
1961 | No event | Alf Hagon | Denys Goodacre | No event | Bill Evans/Ian Paskin | |
1960 | No event | Alf Hagon | Austin Cresswell | No event | Bill Evans/Ron Jones | |
1959 | No event | Alf Hagon | Alf Hagon | No event | Freddie French/George Walsey | |
1958 | No event | Murray Briggs | Murray Briggs | No event | Chris Vincent/Ivan Kitching | |
1957 | No event | Martin Tatum | Martin Tatum | No event | Bill Evans/Ron Jones | |
1956 | No event | Austin Cresswell | Alf Hagon | No event | Bill Evans/Ron Jones | |
1955 | No event | Denys Goodacre | Martin Tatum | No event | Bill Evans/Ron Jones | |
1954 | No event | Alf Hagon | Alf Hagon | No event | Bill Evans/Ron Jones | |
1953 | No event | Sid Mintey | Austin Cresswell | No event | Derek Yorke/Jim Green | |
1952 | No event | Sid Mintey | Austin Cresswell | No event | Derek Slate/AN Other | |
1951 | No event | Sid Mintey | Dick Tolley | No event | Cyril Smith/AN Other |
European and World Championships
The FIMFédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme is the governing body of motorcycle racing. It represents 103 national motorcycle federations that are divided into six regional continental unions....
, 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 qualify through a series of Qualifiers. Riders must be selected by their nations motorcycling authority. Riders then must compete in Qualifying rounds and hotly contested Semi Finals before reaching the World Longtrack series proper. 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. Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
have won this event both times it has been run.
The UEM
Union Européenne de Motocyclisme
The Union Européenne de Motocyclisme or European Motorcycle Union is the FIM affiliated federation responsible for Motorcycle sport within Europe.-History:...
hold a European Grasstrack championship, where qualification is similar to the World Longtrack. However, the competition culminates on a one day event. The UEM also holds a European Championship for sidecar competitors. 500 cc sidecar machines from several countries compete in 2 semi finals, and the championship is decided on a one day final.
List of World Longtrack Champions
European Individual Championship (1957-1970)Year | Solos | |
---|---|---|
2011 | Joonas Kylmakorpi Joonas Kylmäkorpi Joonas Kylmäkorpi is a Finnish motorcycle speedway rider. He is the back to back Long Track World Championship,winning in 2010 and 2011, as well as winning the London Riders' Championship the same year.... |
|
2010 | Joonas Kylmakorpi Joonas Kylmäkorpi Joonas Kylmäkorpi is a Finnish motorcycle speedway rider. He is the back to back Long Track World Championship,winning in 2010 and 2011, as well as winning the London Riders' Championship the same year.... |
|
2009 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
2008 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
2007 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
2006 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
|
2005 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
|
2004 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
2003 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
|
2002 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
|
2001 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
2000 | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
|
1999 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
1998 | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
|
1997 | Tommy Dunker | |
1996 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
1995 | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
|
1994 | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
|
1993 | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
|
1992 | Marcel Gerhard | |
1991 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
|
1990 | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
|
1989 | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
|
1988 | Karl Maier Karl Maier Karl Maier was a German Esperantist and member of the Universala Esperanto Asocio, for more than 50 years.Maier learned Esperanto in 1924. After emigrate form Germany in 1930, he was living with Esperanto enthusiasts among United States, Mexico and Japan... |
|
1987 | Karl Maier Karl Maier Karl Maier was a German Esperantist and member of the Universala Esperanto Asocio, for more than 50 years.Maier learned Esperanto in 1924. After emigrate form Germany in 1930, he was living with Esperanto enthusiasts among United States, Mexico and Japan... |
|
1986 | Erik Gundersen Erik Gundersen Erik Gundersen was a speedway rider in the late 1970s and 1980s. Gundersen was the Speedway World Championship on three occasions, a two time Long Track World Champion and a seven time World Team Cup winner with Denmark.-Career:Gundersen rode for the Cradley Heath Heathens from 1979 until 1989... |
|
1985 | Simon Wigg Simon Wigg Simon Wigg was a speedway, grasstrack and Longtrack rider who finished runner-up in the Speedway World Championship in 1989.... |
|
1984 | Erik Gundersen Erik Gundersen Erik Gundersen was a speedway rider in the late 1970s and 1980s. Gundersen was the Speedway World Championship on three occasions, a two time Long Track World Champion and a seven time World Team Cup winner with Denmark.-Career:Gundersen rode for the Cradley Heath Heathens from 1979 until 1989... |
|
1983 | Shawn Moran Shawn Moran Shawn Moran is a retired former professional speedway rider who was one of the most popular and talented riders ever to race for Sheffield Tigers who also represented USA.... |
|
1982 | Karl Maier Karl Maier Karl Maier was a German Esperantist and member of the Universala Esperanto Asocio, for more than 50 years.Maier learned Esperanto in 1924. After emigrate form Germany in 1930, he was living with Esperanto enthusiasts among United States, Mexico and Japan... |
|
1981 | Michael Lee Michael Lee (speedway rider) Michael Andrew Lee is a former international speedway rider who won the Speedway World Championship in 1980... |
|
1980 | Karl Maier Karl Maier Karl Maier was a German Esperantist and member of the Universala Esperanto Asocio, for more than 50 years.Maier learned Esperanto in 1924. After emigrate form Germany in 1930, he was living with Esperanto enthusiasts among United States, Mexico and Japan... |
|
1979 | Alois Wiesbock | |
1978 | Egon Muller Egon Müller Egon Muller is a former international motorcycle speedway rider and was winner of the Speedway World Championship in 1983, winning the title in his homeland with a maximum score of 15 points. He was also German Champion eight times... |
|
1977 | Anders Michanek Anders Michanek Anders Michanek is a Speedway rider. In 1974 he won the Speedway World Championship in his Swedish homeland with a maximum score of 15 points. He also won the World Pairs Championship with the late Tommy Jansson in 1973 and 1975 and with Sören Sjösten in 1974.Michanek had a very successful career... |
|
1976 | Ivan Mauger Ivan Mauger Ivan Mauger, OBE, MBE, is a retired motorcycle speedway rider. He won a record six World Championships, a feat only equalled by Tony Rickardsson of Sweden... |
|
1975 | Egon Muller Egon Müller Egon Muller is a former international motorcycle speedway rider and was winner of the Speedway World Championship in 1983, winning the title in his homeland with a maximum score of 15 points. He was also German Champion eight times... |
|
1974 | Egon Muller Egon Müller Egon Muller is a former international motorcycle speedway rider and was winner of the Speedway World Championship in 1983, winning the title in his homeland with a maximum score of 15 points. He was also German Champion eight times... |
|
1973 | Ole Olsen | |
1972 | Ivan Mauger Ivan Mauger Ivan Mauger, OBE, MBE, is a retired motorcycle speedway rider. He won a record six World Championships, a feat only equalled by Tony Rickardsson of Sweden... |
|
1971 | Ivan Mauger Ivan Mauger Ivan Mauger, OBE, MBE, is a retired motorcycle speedway rider. He won a record six World Championships, a feat only equalled by Tony Rickardsson of Sweden... |
|
1970 | Jon Odegaard | |
1969 | Don Godden | |
1968 | Manfred Poschenreider | |
1967 | Manfred Poschenreider | |
1966 | Manfred Poschenreider | |
1965 | Bjorn Knutsen | |
1964 | Kurt W Petersen | |
1963 | Bertil Stridh | |
1962 | Bertil Stridh | |
1961 | Timo Laine | |
1960 | Josef Hofmeister | |
1959 | Josef Hofmeister | |
1958 | Josef Hofmeister | |
1957 | Basse Hveen |
List of European Grasstrack Champions
Year | Solos | Sidecars |
---|---|---|
2011 | Martin Smolinski Martin Smolinski Martin Smolinski is a German international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider who has represented the German speedway team at senior level... |
William Mattijssen/Nathalie Matthijssen |
2010 | Andrew Appleton | Tommy Kunert/Markus Eibl |
2009 | Stephan Katt | William Mattijssen/Nathalie Matthijssen |
2008 | Stephane Tresarrieu | Tommy Kunert/Markus Eibl |
2007 | Theo Pijper Theo Pijper Theo Pijper in Dokkum Holland, is an international motorcycle speedway rider who rode for the Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the British Premier League and for the Swindon Robins in Elite League.... |
William Matthijssen/Nathalie Matthijssen |
2006 | Stephan Katt | Tommy Kunert/Bernard Kreuzer |
2005 | Paul Hurry Paul Hurry Paul William George Hurry is a British international motorcycle speedway rider. Hurry began his racing career aged 16 with the Arena Essex Hammers in 1991. In 1994 he became British under 21 champion and in 2000 he finished in second place at the British Speedway Championship... |
Sven Holstein/Desiree Daubert |
2004 | Theo Pijper Theo Pijper Theo Pijper in Dokkum Holland, is an international motorcycle speedway rider who rode for the Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the British Premier League and for the Swindon Robins in Elite League.... |
Tommy Kunert/Bernard Kreuzer |
2003 | Gerd Riss Gerd Riss Gerd Riss is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was a member of Germany team at 2001 Speedway World Cup and who was started in Speedway Grand Prix of Germany.... |
Tommy Kunert/Hermann Bacher |
2002 | Sirg Schutzbach | Josef Onderka/Martin Wamprechtshammer |
2001 | Maik Groen | Tommy Kunert/Marco Hundsrucker |
2000 | Zdeněk Schneiderwind | Josef Onderka/Martin Wamprechtshammer |
1999 | Bernd Diener | Tommy Kunert/Hermann Bacher |
1998 | Zdeněk Schneiderwind | Josef Onderka/Uwe Kuhberger |
1997 | No Event | Josef Onderka/Uwe Kuhberger |
1996 | Steve Johnston Steve Johnston Steven Paul "Steve" Johnston is an Australian international motorcycle speedway rider. He has represented the Australian speedway team in two Speedway World Cup finals in 2004 and 2005.... |
Tommy Kunert/Marco Hundsrucker |
1995 | Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Tatum Kelvin Martin Tatum MBE is a former British international motorcycle speedway and Grasstrack rider.-Career:... |
Tommy Kunert/Wolfgang Maier |
1994 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
Marco Glorie/Harry Drenth |
1993 | Richard Musson | Karl Keil/Joachim Reeg |
1992 | Anne Van Der Helm | Josef Onderka/Wolfgang Huber |
1991 | Rif Saitgareev | Josef Onderka/Richard Wolf |
1990 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
Josed Onderka/Richard Wolf |
1989 | Robert Barth Robert Barth (speedway rider) Robert Barth is a German motorcycle speedway rider who was rode in Speedway Grand Prix. He has also won four Long Track World Championships, in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006.- Speedway Grand Prix results :- World Championships :... |
Josef Onderka/Josef Feigl |
1988 | Frank Kehlenbeck | Karl Keil/Joachim Reeg |
1987 | Roman Matousek | Josef Onderka/Frank Onderka |
1986 | Simon Cross Simon Cross .Simon James Cross is a former motorcycle speedway rider who spent most of his career with the Cradley Heath Heathens.... |
Josef Onderka/Frank Onderka |
1985 | Clayton Williams | H. Pagel/J.Zaddach |
1984 | Martin Hagon | Michael Datzmann/Robert Datzmann |
1983 | Christian Brandt | Michael Datzmann/Robert Datzmann |
1982 | Jeremy Doncaster Jeremy Doncaster Jeremy Doncaster is a former international motorcycle speedway rider who won the World Team Cup in 1989, top scoring for Great Britain with 13 points. He also finished in third place in the 1989 World Final... |
Michael Datzmann/Robert Datzmann |
1981 | Neil Farnish | Michael Datzmann/Robert Datzmann |
1980 | Willi Stauch | Oliver Bauer/Paul Steiglbrunner |
1979 | Gerald Short | No Event |
1978 | Chris Baybutt | No Event |