Speedway - a sport of extreme speeds and demands

Four riders, no brakes, an oval track of loose shale and engines working at their limits. Speedway is one of the most spectacular and demanding motorsport disciplines, where every detail matters. It is also a sport in which equipment maintenance and care play a crucial role — speedway motorcycles operate in conditions that would astound owners of conventional motorcycles.

What is speedway and why is it unique?

Speedway is a form of motorcycle racing that was born in the 1920s in Australia and Great Britain. Competition takes place on oval tracks approximately 260–400 metres in length, made of loose shale — a mixture of fine stone, sand and clay. It is this specific surface that gives the discipline its name and lends it its unique character.

The biggest difference compared with other motorcycle racing? Speedway motorcycles have no brakes. None whatsoever. Speed control and track navigation rely solely on rider skill — the throttle, body position and sliding technique are the only steering tools. Races last just four laps, but the intensity and demands on the equipment are extreme.

The specifics of speedway motorcycles

A speedway motorcycle is a machine designed for one purpose — maximum speed on a loose surface at minimum weight. The engines run on methanol, producing approximately 80–90 bhp with a total motorcycle weight of just 75–80 kg. No brakes, no rear suspension and no multi-speed gearbox — this is an ascetic device that demands absolute reliability.

Every race is a series of violent accelerations, controlled slides and cornering loads. The engine operates at high revs, the chain is subjected to extreme stresses, and the loose track surface means every motorcycle component becomes coated with a layer of shale mixed with oil and fuel residues.

Speedway motorcycle maintenance — the key to success

Professional speedway mechanics know perfectly well that every race day also means intensive maintenance work. A motorcycle after competition is not merely a dirty machine — it is a set of precision components coated with a mixture of shale, oil and methanol which, if not removed, leads to corrosion, wear and failure.

Cleaning after every race

Shale, oil and methanol residues create an aggressive mixture that attacks all motorcycle components. Professionals clean their machines after every meeting, often between races. For cleaning speedway motorcycles, a specialist product created specifically for this discipline works best — OC1 Speedway Cleaner in a 5-litre capacity ideally meets the needs of teams and riders competing regularly.

Speedway Cleaner effectively removes shale, oil stains and fuel residues without damaging sensitive engine and frame components. The 5-litre format is particularly economical for teams that must maintain several motorcycles in perfect condition throughout the season.

Chain and sprockets — the heart of the drive

In speedway, the chain is an absolutely critical component. During starts and acceleration, it transfers all engine power to the rear wheel, operating in extreme conditions — high revs, violent loads and constant contact with shale. Professionals check chain condition before every race and lubricate it after every clean.

For chain lubrication, a specialist product resistant to extreme conditions works best — OC1 Chain Lube in aerosol form ensures precise coverage of all links, creates a long-lasting protective coating and is resistant to the vibrations and loads characteristic of speedway. A regularly lubricated chain means not only smooth drive operation, but above all safety during racing.

Cooling system — temperature under control

Speedway engines operate at extreme temperatures. Methanol combustion generates enormous amounts of heat, and the short race duration does not mean lower thermal demands — quite the opposite. Effective cooling is fundamental to reliability and maximum power.

Professional coolants such as OC1 Ice Coolant Racing have been designed specifically for motorsport. A wide temperature range (freezing point -26°C, boiling point 136°C) and anti-corrosion additives ensure optimal engine operation even in the most demanding conditions. For hobbyists and smaller teams, a standard version is also available — OC1 Motorcycle Coolant, offering proven quality at a more accessible price.

Mechanical component maintenance

A speedway motorcycle is a labyrinth of precision connections, bearings, axles and threaded components. All of these require regular maintenance and corrosion protection. A universal product such as OC1 Multifunction Spray is ideal for displacing moisture, protecting threads against corrosion and maintaining moving parts. This is a tool that should be found in every speedway mechanic's workshop.

Frame and painted component protection

The frame and painted components of a speedway motorcycle are exposed to stones, shale and chemical substances. After cleaning, it is worth protecting them with a product that creates a hydrophobic protective coating, such as OC1 Polish & Protect. Such protection not only adds shine, but above all makes subsequent cleaning easier and protects paintwork from dulling and damage.

Scoring system and competition format

In every speedway race, four riders compete. After four laps, points are awarded: 3 for first place, 2 for second, 1 for third. A rider who does not finish or takes fourth place receives no points. This is a system that rewards consistency and reliability — both of the rider and their equipment.

Heats and rerun rounds add dynamism to the competition. Every race is a new opportunity, but also a new challenge for mechanics who must check motorcycle condition between rounds and, if necessary, make rapid repairs or component changes.

Safety in speedway

Despite the absence of brakes, speedway is a relatively safe sport — provided appropriate protective equipment is worn and rules are followed. A helmet, leather suit, back protector, knee guards and boots are the absolute minimum. Modern suits made from kangaroo leather offer the best protection at minimum weight.

Equally important is maintaining the motorcycle in perfect technical condition. A loose fitting, damaged chain or overheating engine are potential sources of failure which during a race can lead to dangerous situations.

Famous competitions and traditions

Speedway has a rich history and tradition, particularly in Poland, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Australia. The Speedway World Championship (Speedway Grand Prix) is the biggest event of the season, attracting the best riders from around the world. Every race is a spectacle full of emotion, where victory is decided by hundredths of a second and perfect mastery of technique.

Polish speedway teams are a powerhouse on the international stage. The Polish Ekstraliga attracts thousands of fans to stadiums, and the sporting level is among the highest in the world. It is in Poland that speedway is a living tradition and passion passed down from generation to generation.

The future of speedway

The sport is evolving, and technology with it. Electric speedway motorcycles are already being tested and may in future become an alternative to traditional combustion units. Silent operation, instant torque and zero emissions are advantages that could open new possibilities for competition organisers in urban areas.

However, regardless of technological evolution, the fundamentals remain unchanged — passion, rider skill and equipment care. Speedway is a demanding sport in which every detail matters, and the difference between victory and defeat often depends on perfection of preparation.

Summary

Speedway is a spectacular, fast and demanding sport. Four riders, no brakes and a loose surface create conditions where every element counts — skill, courage and a perfectly prepared motorcycle. For mechanics and riders, regular maintenance is not an option, but a necessity. Specialist products such as OC1 Speedway Cleaner and Chain Lube make maintaining the motorcycle in excellent condition simpler and more effective.

Whether planning to enter the world of speedway as a rider or simply fascinated by this sport as a fan, remember — behind every spectacular race lies hours of work by mechanics and riders who attend to every bolt, every centimetre of chain and every drop of oil. It is precisely this attention to detail that makes speedway one of the most exciting motorsports in the world.