Speedway season underway today

GENERAL
Speedway bikes are a unique type of motorcycle. Originally the engines used were upright, the name reflects the way they fitted into the frame of the bike. Nowadays, in order to handle the bike more effectively, speedway riders use laydown engines in their set ups. The bikes weigh a minimum of 77 kilograms, have one gear and do not have brakes, the clutch is used as a release mechanism at the start of races. By using different engine and rear wheel sprockets the gear ratio can be adjusted for different track sizes and conditions.
FUEL
Only pure methanol is used to fuel the bikes, this allows the bikes to travel faster as the methanol increases the compression ratio to the engine, producing more power than other fuels. The high compression ratio of the engine can also assist in slowing down a machine; if the throttle is closed the engine may stop.
SAFETY
All speedway bikes must have a safety cut out device fitted that cuts off the circuit of electrical supply by pulling a lanyard attached to the rider's right wrist.
REGULATIONS
The motorcycles must meet the following regulations:
Weigh more than 77kg (no fuel)
Use a four-stroke, single cylinder engine with one carburetor and one spark plug and a maximum capacity of 500cc
Have guards fitted over moving engine parts where reasonable
Use an additional chain guard to prevent a hand or fingers being cut by a chain
Have a peg (Dutch Peg) fitted to prevent a broken chain flailing and injuring a rider or a fellow competitor
Use shatter resistant plastics where reasonable
Be fitted with a dirt deflector
Be fuelled by methanol with no additives
Be fitted with an approved silencer
Have a handlebar width greater than 650mm and less than 850mm
The bikes have a fairly simple set up and cannot be enhanced by any of the following means:
Be constructed in any part from Titanium
Use uncoated ceramic parts
Use telemetry during a race except for timing purposes
Use any electronic components to control the engine
must not Use brakes of any form
Use supercharger or a turbocharger of any kind.
WHEELIE