Flattrack

Flattrack, or flat-track racing, is a motorcycle racing discipline conducted on oval dirt tracks. The tracks are typically dirt ovals ranging from about a quarter to a half mile in length, featuring broad turns that encourage riders to slide the rear wheel through corners. Competitors ride purpose-built flat-track motorcycles designed for light weight, traction, and rapid transitions between straightaways and bends.

Origins trace to early 20th-century American dirt-track racing and it gradually developed into a formal sport through regional clubs and touring series. In the United States, American Flat Track (AFT) is the leading professional sanctioning body, organizing a national championship circuit. Other countries maintain their own organizations, contributing to a smaller international footprint.

Bikes used in flattrack are typically lightweight, with single- or twin-cylinder engines and wide rear tires, accompanied by tuned suspensions suited to dirt surfaces. Modern machines commonly employ front and rear braking and are engineered to sustain controlled slides through turns while maintaining drive off the corners. Races usually consist of heat races to determine starting positions for a main event, with points awarded toward season standings.

The sport blends dirt-track heritage with contemporary motorcycle competition, drawing crowds at fairs, stadiums, and dedicated ovals. It features a developmental ladder from amateur competition to professional ranks and emphasizes close racing, precise handling, and riders’ ability to manage sliding through turns. Safety equipment such as helmets, leather racing suits, and boots is required.