speedway

Sport of motorcycle racing on a dirt track. Four riders compete in each heat over four laps. A series of heats make up a match or competition. In Britain there are two main leagues, the Elite League and the Premier League. World championships exist for individuals, pairs (first held in 1970), four-rider teams (first held in 1960), long-track racing, and ice speedway.

The first organized races were in Australia in 1923 and the first track in Britain was built at Droylsden, near Manchester in 1927.

Speedway

Town in central Indiana, within the city limits of Indianapolis, and 8 km/5 mi west of the centre; population (1990) 13,100. It has been home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since it was built in 1901. Local products include transmissions, railway parts, electrical equipment, and steel castings.

The ‘Brickyard’, now almost completely tarred over, is the site of many races, most prominently the annual (since 1911) Indianapolis 500, the NASCAR 200, and the US Nationals drag race. The 175-ha/433-acre speedway incorporates the famous pit row, ‘Gasoline Alley’, the Indy Hall of Fame Museum, and a large golf course.