Dirt Track is similar to speedway in that it is run on closed tracks that are completely flat, on a gritty shale surface. Dirt tracks are usually 600m-1000m long.

But unlike speedway, Dirt Track circuits have both left and right hand bends and you do not need a specialised machine like a slider or speedway bike.

Many of Australia’s top road racers have come from Dirt Track, like Hansford, Gardner, Doohan, Beattie, Phillis, Goddard, Corser, Gobert, Mladin, Stoner, Vermeulen, West, Parkes, Baylis and TT winner Cameron Donald.

Several well known speedway riders have also come from Dirt Track, like Todd Wiltshire and Troy Batchelor.

The Machines
Any MX or enduro bike from the mid seventies onwards can be very competitive in Dirt Track racing, and can run on methanol if you so wish, but petrol is also allowed.

Some of the fastest Dirt Track bikes in the country are mid seventies Yamaha TT500’s. And two stoke machines can still be competitive in the right hands. This makes Dirt Track a much cheaper and easier option than other disciplines.

The only modification you need to make for Dirt Track is to change the rear tyre from a knobby to a closed universal. This means an 18 inch trials tyre or a 19 inch speedway tyre. Most riders prefer the trails tyre as it has greater sidewall grip.

These changes are only needed for senior bikes (including 125/250f juniors). Taller gearing is required, and it is recommended that richer jetting is used particularly for two strokes.

Junior Dirt Track riders can use knobbies on the rear.

Quads are also included in dirt track competition.

The Classes
Dirt track classes run along similar guidelines to MX.

Juniors
• Peewees
• 65cc
• 85cc 2T and 150cc4T
• 125cc 2T and 250cc 4T

We also run a Junior Clubman class for juniors that do not have their race licence yet. This class is normally made up of the small air cooled kid’s trail bikes like the CRF150F (not CRF150R) and the kids Honda XR’s.

This class is a great way to start juniors off in racing.

Seniors
Senior classes can sometimes vary depending on numbers and the level of meeting. The usual structure is:

• 125 2T/250 4T
• 250 2T /450 4T
• Unlimited (over 250 2T and over 450 4T)
• Veterans over 35
• Pre 1990 (age of machine)
• All powers A grade
• All powers B grade
• All powers C grade

Racing
Normal Dirt Track race days (outside the national championship) consist of each senior class competing in 3 races of 4 laps each. Each junior class competes in 6 races of 4 laps each.

Race days usually start from 10am with sign-on available from 7:30 m. If all goes well the day should be over by 4:00pm – 4:30pm. Dirt Track race meetings (held outside national titles) are held over one day making them much easier for families than other disciplines.

Race entry usually costs $60 for seniors and $30 for juniors, if you already have a licence. This is much lower than many other disciplines.

Practice
Practice days run on a similar tome frame, and juniors and seniors are split up.
Practice fees are $40 for seniors and $20 for juniors.

Riding gear
Similar to MX, but some riders prefer speedway suits or road racing leathers, but back protector must be worn by all riders.

Dirt Track clubs
Albury Wodonga MCC (Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga)
www.awmcc.com.au

North West MCC (Jamberoo Park ,Milura)
www.nwvmcc.com

Harley Club of Victoria (State Motorcycle Sport Complex, Broadford)
www.harleyclubvic.org.au

The Dirt Track Management Committee contact details are as follows:

Chairman: Peter Hern
P: 03 9716 2590
E: pressfit@netspace.net.au

Any written correspondence can be mailed to the MV Office (Attention: Dirt Track Management), Suite 125/9 Hall Street, Port Melbourne, Vic, 3207.