I can't believe I only
just noticed this thread!
Catching up...
One of the biggest differences between Flat Track Motorcycle racing and Nascar is that the bikes don't have brakes. (Okay, they have rear brakes these days, but they're not really for slowing down)
In that way it's a better comparison to sprint cars.
On the grassroots level I've been doing this for a few years and in 2014 became the Race Director for the Nor-Cal Short Track Championship.
We run on 1/8 mile bull-ring tracks where big horsepower isn't necessarily the fastest way around the oval. The racing is intense and often physical but always fun.
It's been a great experience serving in this role, seeing the new riders gain skill and confidence and especially all of the kids who're taking part. They're fearless!!!
One of the greatest things about the sport though is that it is so accessible. For a minor investment you can scoop up a CRF150 or 230, an XR100 or TTR125 spoon on some smooth tires and go ride or race flat track. Ready for more power? 450s are cheap, as are any number of cool vintage racers like TT500s.
A set of tires lasts the better part of a season and other than changing the oil the bikes don't generally need too much attention. Heck race fees are between $25 and $40 per class depending on which organization you're riding with.
Where else can you race that cheap?!?
We're pretty fortunate in Northern California to have access to quite a few tracks, promoters and clubs.
In no particular order:
Lodi (1/4 mile) Lodi MC, Stockton MC, SFMC, D36
Prairie City Dirt Track (1/8 Mile) Nor-Cal Short Track
Ukiah Speedway (1/8 mile) Nor-Cal Short Track
Lakeport ((1/8 Mile) Nor-Cal Short Track
Salinas (1/8-1/4 mile) RMP Productions
Chowchilla (1/3 mile) California Flat Track Assoc.
Atwater (1/8 mile) California Flat Track Assoc.
Chris Beck Arena (1/8 mile) North Bay MC (Sadly cancelled this year)
Antioch (1/4 mile+) Gene Romero's WCFT
Sacramento (Mile) AMA Pro
Calistoga (1/2 Mile) AMA Pro
And more tracks are rumored to be coming back!
We're practicing tomorrow, Saturday August 23rd at the Prairie City Dirt Track on both the TT track and the Oval. Then on Sunday, August 24th is Round 7 of the Nor-Cal Short Track Championship. Come on out to ride Saturday, race Sunday, or just spectate!
Budman was kind enough to sticky our thread in the Racers Corner if you guys would like to keep up on our series.
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=447691