Everything you should know about ice motorcycle racing

Ice motorcycle racing or ice speedway is an extreme sport. Racers get injured more frequently than alpinists or car drivers. Yet, dangerous situations on the track, dizzying turns, intensive struggle between the racers draw attention to the ice speedway and make the fans come to the competitions despite the freezing temperatures. Initially, these races served as an entertainment event for professional motorcyclists, but since the mid-20th century, the discipline has received official sports status. Now it is supervised by the International Motor Sports Federation. Let us take a closer look at ice speedway.

Motorcycles

At first glance, motorcycles for ice speedway are similar to ordinary racing bikes. But there are many differences. The main ones are a stiffer frame and a longer wheelbase. The volume of engines of motorcycles participating in international competitions is 500 cm³. Sometimes it is possible to use the engines with volume of 125, 250, 350, 450 cm³. Historically, ice racing motorcycles have used engines made by the Czech company Jawa. Traditionally, they still dominate today.

Other motorcycle features include:

• a two-valve engine;
• gearbox with two speeds;
• fuel tank up to 4 liters;
• the fuel used for ice speedway is methanol.

One of the biggest differences is the rubber with large metal spikes, making high-speed riding on ice possible. The motorcycle traction is so strong that the four-cylinder engine was replaced with a two-cylinder one.

One of the most interesting design features of ice speedway motorcycles is complete absence of brakes. The athlete can only perform braking with the help of special shoes called motoboots, or by dropping the engine revolutions.

Another peculiarity of the motorcycles is the presence of special cleats on the wheels. Spikes are not longer than 28 mm, they are made of high-strength alloy and mounted on the tire. The most interesting thing is that the tires are studded unevenly. A greater number of studs is present on the left side of the wheel. The races are held on an oval closed track counterclockwise, therefore, athletes perform only left turns. So, maximum support is needed on the left side of the wheel.

The presence of spikes keeps the bike balanced in turns at speeds up to 80 km/h. The studs on the right side are necessary for riding on the track and are not involved in complex maneuvers. Therefore, the most fragile parts of the motorcycle are located on the right. Spikes are the greatest danger during the race, because when a rider collides and falls, he or she can bump into them and get injured. To avoid this situation, both wheels are covered with plastic hoods.

Those who have ever been to a race know that at the start the riders “jump” on the bikes. It is necessary in order to drive the studs as deep as possible into the ice surface and prevent the wheels from spinning while beginning the race.

Equipment

The clothing of speedway racers is what they must pay special attention to, because it is designed to ensure the safety. There should be a racing suit similar to those worn by motocross racers. There must be chest and spine protection underneath. The left leg must be covered with a special shield from the knee to toe motoboot.

Some riders opt for wearing something that resembles knightly armor. In this case, they wear a chain mail, which is able to protect them when hitting the opponent’s spikes. However, such equipment adds weight, and therefore is used infrequently.

A full-face helmet and a pair of gauntlets are compulsory. Not only does the helmet prevent racers from being injured after falls and collisions, but also it is used to protect them from the ice fragments flying from under the wheels.

Competitions

The competitions are generally not different from the classic speedway. Four riders can take part in one race as a team or individually. Each athlete must make four laps of the track. Thus, the maximum length of the course is not more than 1.7 km (425 m x 4). The winner is the one who reaches the finish line first. If the championship is a series of races, the riders are awarded points: to become the winner, it is necessary to score three points; to occupy the second place, a rider must score two points; to get the bronze medal, it is necessary to score one point. The total is used to determine the triumphant.

Peculiarities

Ice motorcycle racing is a discipline that involves a lot of mental training, as well as physical training. First of all, the opponents are usually very caring and are glad to help each other when they are off track. The spectators who have never been to ice motorcycle races before are often surprised by their friendly relationship. Yet, as soon as the race starts, all participants concentrate on the route and do their best to perform at the top of their abilities.

Secondly, this sport requires a lot of courage. Being able to ride a bike on the ice-covered surface, with the brakes replaced by sharp spikes is not for everyone. This discipline is extremely dangerous, which is why it is important to be concentrated on the track. Every racer has his own style: some people are more careful while others reach the highest speed possible. Anyways, usually competitors take part in the same tournaments and know each other, so they understand whom the most dangerous opponent is.

History

Unfortunately, history has not preserved the name of the man who was the first to ride his motorcycle on the ice in such a fearless way. The only thing we know is that it happened in the 1920s. At the same time, the first competitions in motorcycle speedway were held. However, for a long time it existed only as an entertainment for ordinary riders. Motorcycle speedway debuted on the world level in 1966, and since 1976, the competitions have been held on the regular basis.

All in all, motorcycle speedway is a sport for brave people who are ready to risk themselves. This discipline is for those who are able to control themselves and concentrate on the track. Not everybody can take part in ice speedway.