Speedway is a motorcycle race held on an oval track. Four competitors usually start in one race and complete four laps. For first place, the competitor receives 3 points, for second place 2 points, for third place 1 point, and for fourth place 0 points.

The rules of speedway are quite simple, so even a person watching the competition for the first time can quickly understand the course of the competition. The most important things are the start, the order at the finish line, the scores of individual competitors and the sum of points scored by the teams.

In this article, we explain what speedway is, how many laps there are in one race, how the scoring works and what the most important rules of speedway competitions are.

Speedway – what is it?

Speedway is a motor sports discipline in which competitors race on special motorcycles on an oval track. Races take place over a short distance, and the result is determined by the order in which people cross the finish line.

Speedway motorcycles are different from regular road motorcycles. They are light, powerful and designed for riding on loose surfaces. Competitors overcome corners with the characteristic rear wheel skid.

Speedway is especially popular in Poland, Great Britain, Sweden and Denmark. League competitions, individual championships and the Speedway Grand Prix series are very popular in Poland.

What are the speedway rules?

The basis of speedway competitions are short races called runs. In each race, competitors start from under the tape and race over a distance of four laps.

The most important speedway rules are as follows:

• Four competitors usually start in one race,
• each run consists of four laps,
• competitors go counterclockwise,
• the competitor who crosses the finish line first wins,
• points are awarded according to the order at the finish line,
• a false start, fall or dangerous driving may result in exclusion.

In speedway, the start is very important. The race is short, so the athlete who starts best from the beginning often gains a big advantage already in the first corner.

Speedway – how many laps does one race have?

One speedway race has four laps. Competitors start together and cover the entire distance without stopping.

The exact length of the run depends on the length of the track. Speedway tracks do not have identical dimensions, so total distance may vary. However, the four-lap rule remains standard.

A speedway race usually lasts about a minute, although the time depends on the track, surface and level of the competitors.

How many laps are there in a speedway match?

In a standard league match, each of the 15 heats has four laps. This means that competitors complete a total of 60 laps if all heats are completed without repetitions.

However, it must be remembered that this is not 60 laps of one competitor. Different speedway riders compete in individual races, according to the race table and coaches’ decisions.

Speedway – scoring in one race

Scoring in speedway is 3 points for first place, 2 points for second place, 1 point for third place and 0 points for fourth place.

• 1st place: 3 points
• 2nd place: 2 points
• 3rd place: 1 point
• 4th place: 0 points

There is a total of 6 points to be scored in one run. In team competitions, the points of both players on a given team are added up.

How are team points calculated in speedway?

In a league match, two players from each team usually start in one heat. Their points are added to the team’s score.

For example, players of one team take first and second place. They then score a total of 5 points. The rivals take third and fourth place, so they receive a total of 1 point. The result of the race was 5:1.

The most common race results are:

• 5:1 – players from one team took first and second place,
• 4:2 – players from one team took first and third place,
• 3:3 – points in the race were divided equally,
• 2:4 – rivals won first and third place,
• 1:5 – the rivals took first and second place.

How many heats does a speedway match have?

A standard league match in Polish speedway consists of 15 heats. When they are finished, the team that has scored more points wins.

The first 13 heats take place according to the established table. The last two are nominated races, in which coaches enter selected competitors in accordance with the applicable rules.

Since there are 6 points to be divided in each heat, players can score a total of 90 points in the entire match. A draw means the result is 45:45.

What do nominated runs mean?

The nominated heats are the last two races of a team match. Their cast depends on the players’ results and the decisions of the coaches.

Usually, in the 14th heat, there are riders with lower points, while in the 15th heat, the best speedway riders of both teams appear. Thanks to this, the end of the match is often very important for the final result.

How long does a speedway match last?

A speedway match usually lasts about 1.5-2 hours. The races themselves are very short, but between them the competitors prepare their motorcycles, the track surface is improved, and the judge may order the race to be repeated.

The competition time may be extended by:

• players falling,
• replays of runs,
• repairing the gang,
• pouring and leveling the track,
• weather problems,
• technical breaks.

What does a start in speedway look like?

Competitors line up on four starting fields. Each field has a different color: red, blue, white or yellow.

The start takes place after lifting the tape. Speedway riders must stand still and cannot touch the tape before the signal. Moving too early may be considered an offense.

A good start is of great importance because the first bend is one of the most important moments of the entire run.

What is a false start in speedway?

False start means incorrect behavior of the competitor before the start of the race. It may involve starting too early, touching the tape or making it difficult to start properly.

Depending on the situation, the referee may stop the race, expel the competitor or apply another decision provided for in the regulations of the given competition.

What can a player be sent off for?

The referee may send a player off if he violates the rules or causes a dangerous situation.

The most common reasons for exclusion are:

• causing interruption of the run,
• touching the starting tape,
• dangerous driving,
• crossing the inner edge of the track,
• failure to appear at the start at the scheduled time,
• involvement in a fall deemed culpable by the judge.

After exclusion, a competitor does not receive points for a given run.

Are there any rider changes in speedway?

Yes. In team matches, the coach may use substitutions, but their type and number depend on the competition regulations.

Speedway includes, among others:

• ordinary reserves,
• tactical reserves,
• player replacement,
• youth reserve,
• changes resulting from injury or exclusion.

Tactical changes allow the coach to field a stronger player when his team is losing by a certain number of points. However, the detailed rules depend on the specific league.

What do the letters in the speedway results mean?

In competition results, letters may appear next to a competitor’s name instead of the number of points scored. They inform about a specific situation during the run.

• W – exclusion,
• U – fall,
• D – motorcycle defect,
• T – touching the tape,
• NS – the competitor did not start.

The markings may vary slightly depending on the organizer or results presentation system.

Do speedway motorcycles have brakes?

Classic speedway motorcycles have no brakes. They also do not have a gearbox used in the same way as road motorcycles.

The competitor controls the machine using the gas pedal, proper body positioning and sliding the motorcycle. This is one of the features that make speedway very spectacular and demanding.

What are the most important types of speedway competitions?

Speedway can be played in a team and individual format.

• League matches – two teams compete against each other.
• Individual tournaments – competitors collect points for their own classification.
• Speedway Grand Prix – a cycle selecting an individual world champion.
• Pairs competition – two-person teams or teams compete.
• Youth tournaments – competitors who meet the age criteria start.

The scoring rules and competition format may vary, but the basic race most often still involves four competitors and four laps.

Speedway – rules in brief

• Four competitors usually start in one race.
• Each race has four laps.
• First place is awarded 3 points.
• Second place is awarded 2 points.
• Third place is awarded 1 point.
• No points are awarded for fourth place.
• A league match in Poland usually consists of 15 runs.
• The team with more points after the last run wins.

Speedway – rules and scoring. Summary

Speedway is a motorcycle race held on an oval track. In a standard race, four competitors start and complete four laps. First place is awarded 3 points, second place 2 points, third place 1 point and fourth place 0 points.

There are usually 15 runs in a Polish league match. The players’ points are added up and the team with the higher score wins. The most important things are the start, riding on the first corner, choosing the right path and effective cooperation of the players of one team.

FAQ – speedway, rules and scoring