Drag racing and Sprint racing are all about quick reaction times, hard acceleration and straightline speed. In drag racing the track (or strip) is no more than a quarter of a mile long, where 2 competitors race side by side. Sprint racing is similar to drag racing but in Sprint the strip is up to 1 mile long and can have either 2 competitors racing side by side, or sometimes with one competitor racing against the clock. Sprint racing tracks differ from drag strips because they can have uneven/lumpy sections to them and in Classic Sprint they have been known to have corners and a the odd bit of sheep pooh on the road. Er... it is probably worth pointing out that The National Sprinting Association (www.sprinting.org.uk) occasionally have a "flying quarter event" which involves some big speed.

The bikes used in drag racing and sprinting can vary tremendously, from ordinary sports and classic bikes, through to purpose-built dragsters with supercharged V8 engines. Yikes!

Compared to other types of motorcycle road racing, its very easy to get started in drag racing or sprint racing because many UK drag strips and sprint courses operate a 'Run What Ya Brung' (RWYB) session. These RWYB sessions provide an ideal starting point because they let 'ordinary' people like you and me take our own 'ordinary' bikes onto the strip and let rip. Starting from as little as £18 for the day, you can get your bike on the strip and go racing head to head against your mates (and the clock) and get a real appreciation for what the sport is like. If you find that the sport is to your liking you could then take the next step which is to apply for competition license and enter a proper racing meeting where you can race against fellas who really know what they are doing.

Tel. 08700 782828 www.Santapod.com
Santa Pod Raceway operate RWYB sessions throughout the season.
You will need a bike, a valid UK driving license (a race license is not required), £18 (8 entry + 10 registering fee) for as many runs as you can fit in (or your heat will take) and decent gear (leathers, helmet, boots…). They can provide you with a print out of your reaction times and 1/4 mile time and your top speed, so you can see if your times are improving throughout the day. See www.Santapod.com for more information and race dates.

www.straightliners.co.uk
Straightliners operate several "Run What You Brung" throughout the year and at various locations throughout the UK (including, Jurby - Isle of Man, East Kirkby, Elvington…). You can race just about any bike and they have special events for classic and vintage motorcycles as well. See www.straightliners.co.uk for more information and race dates.

www.sprinting.org.uk
The National Sprint Association organise sprint events throughout the UK for all ranges of rider from novice's on road bikes through to professional racing V8 nitros machines. Most of their events have capacity for 'day entrants' so if your bike is fit, you have proper race leathers, an ACU approved helmet (with gold sticker attached) you could be on your way (see their website for regulations and pre-registry info - www.sprinting.org.uk).
The NSA have classes for just about everything on 2 wheels including Vintage Bikes, Junior Racers (catering for boys and girls from 8 years old onwards), and they also organise the Ramsey Spring (during the Isle of Man TT) and the Streetfighter Challenge in conjunction with the Streetfighter Magazine.

www.thundersprint.com
The Thundersprint is billed as the 'World's Best Classic Motorcycle Sprint Race'. It's a very popular event with international racers as well as beginners taking part. This years event takes place in the centre of Northwich, Cheshire (UK) on 8 May 2005.

Spectators: Admission will be appromimately £8.00 and there is a camping facility (check their website for booking and fees). For more information see www.thundersprint.com - it is a superb website with loads of helpful information on how to get started in classic sprint racing and includes details on registering for the event.

Equipment:

• Bike (just about anything really)
• Helmet (ACU approved / gold sticker)
• Racing Leathers (1 piece is best) with armour
• Gloves
• Boots

Entry fee per race meeting (from £18)

Transport (ride there) fuel only...