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{{short description|Facility built for racing of animals, vehicles, or athletes}}
{{Redirect|Racecourse}}
{{Redirect|Racecourse}}
{{other uses}}
{{other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2023}}
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{{short description|Facility built for racing of animals, vehicles, or athletes}}
[[File:Killarney Race Track in Tableview Cape Town.jpg|thumbnail|An aerial view of the [[Killarney Race Track|Killarney]] motorsport race track in Cape Town, South Africa]]
[[File:Killarney Race Track in Tableview Cape Town.jpg|thumbnail|An aerial view of the [[Killarney Race Track|Killarney]] motorsport race track in Cape Town, South Africa]]
[[File:1-belokan-fia.png|thumb|right|[[FIA]] first turn specification]]
[[File:BTCC Brands06 PaddockHill.jpg|thumb|right|Touring Car race at [[Brands Hatch]] circuit]]
[[File:BTCC Brands06 PaddockHill.jpg|thumb|right|Touring Car race at [[Brands Hatch]] circuit]]
A '''race track''' ('''racetrack''', '''racing track''' or '''racing circuit''') is a facility built for [[racing]] of [[vehicles]], [[sportsperson|athletes]], or animals (e.g. [[horse racing]] or [[greyhound racing]]). A race track also may feature [[grandstand]]s or concourses. Race tracks are also used in the study of [[animal locomotion]].
A '''race track''' ('''racetrack''', '''racing track''' or '''racing circuit''') is a facility built for [[racing]] of vehicles, athletes, or animals (e.g. [[horse racing]] or [[greyhound racing]]). A race track also may feature [[grandstand]]s or concourses. Race tracks are also used in the study of [[animal locomotion]].


A '''racetrack''' is a permanent facility or building. '''Racecourse''' is an alternate term for a [[horse racing]] track, found in countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], [[India]], [[Australia]], [[Hong Kong]], and the [[United Arab Emirates]]. Race tracks built for bicycles are known as '''[[velodrome]]s'''. '''Circuit''' is a common alternate term for race track, given the circuit configuration of most race tracks, allowing races to occur over several laps. Some race tracks may also be known as '''speedways''', or '''raceways'''.
A ''racetrack'' is a permanent facility or building. ''Racecourse'' is an alternate term for a horse racing track, found in countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates. Race tracks built for bicycles are known as ''[[velodrome]]s''. ''Circuit'' is a common alternate term for race track, given the circuit configuration of most race tracks, allowing races to occur over several laps. Some race tracks may also be known as ''speedways'', or ''raceways''.


A '''race course''', as opposed to a ''racecourse'', is a nonpermanent track for sports, particularly [[road running]], [[water sports]], [[road racing]], or [[rallying]]. Many sports usually held on race tracks also can occur on temporary tracks, such as the [[Monaco Grand Prix]] in [[Formula One]].
A ''race course'', as opposed to a ''racecourse'', is a nonpermanent track for sports, particularly [[road running]], [[water sports]], [[road racing]], or [[rallying]]. Many sports usually held on race tracks also can occur on temporary tracks, such as the [[Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco]] and [[Singapore Grand Prix|Singapore]] Grands Prix in [[Formula One]].


[[File:Racecourse In Chester3.jpg|thumb|A typical racecourse]]
[[File:Racecourse In Chester3.jpg|thumb|A typical racecourse]]
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Some evidence remains of racetracks being developed in several ancient civilizations. The most developed ancient race tracks were the [[hippodrome]]s of the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] and the circuses (''circi'') of the [[Roman Empire]]. Both of these structures were designed for horse and [[chariot]] racing. The stadium of the [[Circus Maximus]] in [[Ancient Rome]] could hold 200,000 spectators.
Some evidence remains of racetracks being developed in several ancient civilizations. The most developed ancient race tracks were the [[hippodrome]]s of the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] and the circuses (''circi'') of the [[Roman Empire]]. Both of these structures were designed for horse and [[chariot]] racing. The stadium of the [[Circus Maximus]] in [[Ancient Rome]] could hold 200,000 spectators.


Racing facilities existed during the [[Middle Ages]], and records exist of a public racecourse being opened at [[Newmarket Racecourse|Newmarket]] in London in 1174. In 1780, the [[Earl of Derby]] created a horse-racing course on his estate at Epsom; the [[Epsom Derby|English Derby]] continues to be held there today. Racecourses in the [[British Isles]] are based on grass, known as turf tracks. In the United States, the race tracks are soil.
Racing facilities existed during the [[Middle Ages]], and records exist of a public racecourse being opened at [[Newmarket Racecourse|Newmarket]], in London, in 1174. In 1780, the [[Earl of Derby]] created a horse-racing course on his estate at Epsom; the [[Epsom Derby|English Derby]] continues to be held there today. Racecourses in the British Isles are based on grass, known as turf tracks. In the United States, the race tracks are soil.


[[File:1911boardtrackracing.jpg|thumb|right|Motorcycles racing on a highly banked board track in 1911]]
[[File:1911boardtrackracing.jpg|thumb|right|Motorcycles racing on a highly banked board track in 1911]]
With the advent of the automobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, race tracks were designed to suit the nature of powered machines. The earliest tracks were modified horse-racing courses. Racing automobiles in such facilities began in September 1896, at Narragansett Park in [[Cranston, Rhode Island]]. The [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] was opened in August 1909.
With the advent of the automobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, race tracks were designed to suit the nature of powered machines. The earliest tracks were modified horse-racing courses. Racing automobiles in such facilities began in September 1896, at [[Narragansett Park (1867–1924)|Narragansett Park]] in [[Cranston, Rhode Island]]. The [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] was opened in August 1909.


Beginning in the early 1900s, motorcycle races were run on high, banked, wooden race tracks called [[board track racing|board tracks]]. During the 1920s, many of the races on the [[American Automobile Association|AAA]] Championship circuit were run on such board tracks.
Beginning in the early 1900s, motorcycle races were run on high, banked, wooden race tracks called [[board track racing|board tracks]]. During the 1920s, many of the races on the [[American Automobile Association|AAA]] Championship circuit were run on such board tracks.
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[[File:Hongkongjockeyclub.jpg|thumb|Horseracing track, [[Happy Valley Racecourse]] in Hong Kong, showing grandstands]]
[[File:Hongkongjockeyclub.jpg|thumb|Horseracing track, [[Happy Valley Racecourse]] in Hong Kong, showing grandstands]]


Some racetracks offer little in the way of permanent infrastructure other than the track; others incorporate spectator facilities such as grandstands, [[hospitality]] or facilities for competitors, such as pit lanes and garages, paddocks and stables. Several racetracks are incorporated into larger venues or complexes, incorporating [[golf course]]s, [[museum]]s, [[hotel]]s, and [[conference centre]]s. Some racetracks are small enough to be contained indoors, for sports such as [[motocross]], [[track cycling]], and [[sport of athletics|athletics]].
Some racetracks offer little in the way of permanent infrastructure other than the track; others incorporate spectator facilities such as [[grandstand]]s, hospitality or facilities for competitors, such as pit lanes and garages, paddocks and stables. Several racetracks are incorporated into larger venues or complexes, incorporating golf courses, museums, hotels, and conference centres. Some racetracks are small enough to be contained indoors, for sports such as [[motocross]], [[track cycling]], and [[sport of athletics|athletics]].


Many racetracks are multi-use, allowing different types of sport on the same track, or incorporating many tracks in one venue. Commonly [[running track]]s are incorporated within general use or [[soccer]] stadiums, either permanently visible or covered by stands or pitches.
Many racetracks are multi-use, allowing different types of sport on the same track, or incorporating many tracks in one venue. Commonly, [[running track]]s are incorporated within general use or [[soccer]] stadiums, either permanently visible or covered by stands or pitches.


Many horse and motorsport tracks are configurable, allowing different routes or sections. Some venues contain smaller tracks inside larger ones, with access tunnels and bridges for spectators. Some racetracks incorporate a short course and a longer course which uses part of the shorter one, usually the main straight, such as [[Brands Hatch]]. The [[Le Mans]] road race venue is centred on a smaller permanent circuit within its complex.
Many horse and motorsport tracks are configurable, allowing different routes or sections. Some venues contain smaller tracks inside larger ones, with access tunnels and bridges for spectators. Some racetracks incorporate a short course and a longer course which uses part of the shorter one, usually the main straight, such as [[Brands Hatch]]. The [[Le Mans]] road race venue is centred on a smaller permanent circuit within its complex.


[[File:vallelunga.race.circuit.in.italy.arp.jpg|left|thumb|The [[ACI Vallelunga Circuit|ACI Vallelunga]] car racing track near [[Rome]], [[Italy]], a typical meandering layout with [[run-off area]]s]]
[[File:vallelunga.race.circuit.in.italy.arp.jpg|left|thumb|The [[ACI Vallelunga Circuit|ACI Vallelunga]] car racing track near Rome, Italy, a typical meandering layout with [[run-off area]]s]]


==Surfaces==
==Surfaces==
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* [[Running track|All-weather running track]] (Tartan) (athletics)
* [[Running track|All-weather running track]] (Tartan) (athletics)
* [[Artificial turf]] (electric radio controlled off-road racing)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neobuggy.net/2014/12/01/2015-ifmar-yatabe-worlds-astrogate/|title=2015 IFMAR Yatabe Worlds: Astrogate|access-date=29 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040845/http://www.neobuggy.net/2014/12/01/2015-ifmar-yatabe-worlds-astrogate/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref>http://news.efra.ws/fileadmin/news/2014/12/Result%20postal%20vote%20November%20Electric%20IFMAR2014&Datechange%20%281%29.pdf {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218063550/http://news.efra.ws/fileadmin/news/2014/12/Result%20postal%20vote%20November%20Electric%20IFMAR2014%26Datechange%20%281%29.pdf |date=2015-02-18 }}</ref>
* [[Artificial turf]] (electric radio controlled off-road racing)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neobuggy.net/2014/12/01/2015-ifmar-yatabe-worlds-astrogate/ |title=2015 IFMAR Yatabe Worlds: Astrogate |access-date=29 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040845/http://www.neobuggy.net/2014/12/01/2015-ifmar-yatabe-worlds-astrogate/ |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.efra.ws/fileadmin/news/2014/12/Result%20postal%20vote%20November%20Electric%20IFMAR2014&Datechange%20%281%29.pdf |title=Subject: Electric Section Postal Vote Result & Electric date change |date=14 December 2014 |website=International Federation Of Model Auto Racing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218063550/http://news.efra.ws/fileadmin/news/2014/12/Result%20postal%20vote%20November%20Electric%20IFMAR2014%26Datechange%20%281%29.pdf |archive-date=2015-02-18}}</ref>
* [[Asphalt]]/[[Asphalt concrete|tarmac]] (motorsport, athletics, cycling)
* Asphalt/[[Asphalt concrete|tarmac]] (motorsports, athletics, cycling)
* [[Carpet]] (electric radio controlled racing)<ref>"The track surface for 1/12th Class is recommended to be indoors on standardised needle carpet." [http://www.ifmar.org/pdf/rules/ifmar_wc_electric_track_2014.pdf IFMAR Electric Track Racing and Technical Rules] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822091429/http://www.ifmar.org/pdf/rules/ifmar_wc_electric_track_2014.pdf |date=2014-08-22 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.roarracing.com/downloads/2013_ROAR_Rule_Book.pdf 2013 ROAR Rulebook] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817060529/http://www.roarracing.com/downloads/2013_ROAR_Rule_Book.pdf |date=2015-08-17 }} p. 14</ref>
* Carpet (electric radio controlled racing)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifmar.org/pdf/rules/ifmar_wc_electric_track_2014.pdf |title=IFMAR Electric Track Racing and Technical Rules |date=2014 |website=[[IFMAR]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822091429/http://www.ifmar.org/pdf/rules/ifmar_wc_electric_track_2014.pdf |archive-date=2014-08-22 |quote=The track surface for 1/12th Class is recommended to be indoors on standardised needle carpet.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roarracing.com/downloads/2013_ROAR_Rule_Book.pdf |title=ROAR Rulebook |date=2013 |website=ROAR Racing |page=14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817060529/http://www.roarracing.com/downloads/2013_ROAR_Rule_Book.pdf |archive-date=2015-08-17}}</ref>
* [[Concrete]] (motorsport)
* [[Concrete]] (motorsports)
* [[Dirt]] (horses, greyhound, automobiles, motorbike (track racing), stock car, radio controlled off-road racing, cycling)
* Dirt (horses, greyhounds, automobiles, motorbikes (track racing), stock cars, radio controlled off-road racing, cycling)
* [[Grass]] (horses, amateur motorsport, [[cross country running]])
* Grass (horses, amateur motorsports, [[cross country running]])
* [[Ice]] ([[speed skating rink|Ice racing]]&nbsp;– when on dirt tracks, Bobsleigh, speed skating, [[ice racing|ice motor racing]])
* Ice ([[speed skating rink|speed skating]]&nbsp;– when on dirt tracks, bobsleighs, speed skating, [[ice racing|ice motor racing]])
* [[Sand]] (horse, camel, greyhound, [[rally raid]])
* Sand (horses, camels, greyhounds, [[rally raid]])
* [[Wood]] (cycling) ([[board track racing]]&nbsp;– now defunct)
* Wood (cycling) ([[board track racing]]&nbsp;– now defunct)


==Motorsport==
==Motorsport==
{{redirect|Car track|other uses|Track car (disambiguation){{!}}Track car}}
⚫
Race tracks are primarily designed for [[road racing]] competition through speed, featuring defined start-finish lines or posts, and sometimes even a series of defined timing points that divide the track into time sectors. Some sports merely measure endurance, or how long a competitor can race. Race tracks can host individual or team sports. Racetracks can feature [[rolling start]]s, or fixed starts, with associated equipment (starting blocks, cages, wheel traps etc.) They invariably feature a [[pit lane]], and usually timing equipment.
Race tracks are primarily designed for [[road racing]] competition through speed, featuring defined start-finish lines or posts, and sometimes even a series of defined timing points that divide the track into time sectors. A racetrack for cars (i.e. a car track) is a closed circuit, instead of a [[street circuit]] utilizing temporarily closed public [[road]]s.

⚫
Race tracks can host individual or team sports. Racetracks can feature [[rolling start]]s, or fixed starts, with associated equipment (starting blocks, cages, wheel traps etc.) They invariably feature a [[pit lane]], and usually timing equipment.


===Track layout===
===Track layout===
Some race tracks are of an [[oval]] shape, and can be banked, which allows almost universal spectator views or high speed racing (cycling, stock cars). A famous one is [[Nardò Ring|Nardò]] where high-speed manufacturer testing often takes place, and the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]. Some oval tracks are variations on an oval shape, for practical reasons or to introduce varying difficulties such as [[Talladega Superspeedway|Talladega]] (a tri-oval). Most race tracks have meandering circuits with many curves, [[chicane]]s and changes in height, to allow for a challenge in skill to the competitors, notably [[motocross]] and [[touring car racing]] – these tend to predominate throughout most of the world, but especially in Europe.[[Image:Nardò ring.jpg|thumb|right|Photograph from space of [[Nardò Ring]] in Italy, it is {{convert|12.6|km|mi|abbr=}} long and is perfectly round&nbsp;– the image was taken from the [[International Space Station|ISS]] at an angle making it appear elliptical.]]
Some car tracks are of an [[oval]] shape, and can be banked, which allows almost universal spectator views or high speed racing (cycling, stock cars). A famous one is [[Nardò Ring|Nardò]] where high-speed manufacturer testing often takes place, and the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]. Some oval tracks are variations on an oval shape, for practical reasons or to introduce varying difficulties such as [[Talladega Superspeedway|Talladega]] (a tri-oval). Most race tracks have meandering circuits with many curves, [[chicane]]s and changes in height, to allow for a challenge in skill to the competitors, notably [[motocross]] and [[touring car racing]] – these tend to predominate throughout most of the world, but especially in Europe.[[Image:Nardò ring.jpg|thumb|right|Photograph from space of [[Nardò Ring]] in Italy, it is {{convert|12.6|km|mi|abbr=}} long and is perfectly round&nbsp;– the image was taken from the [[International Space Station|ISS]] at an angle making it appear elliptical.]]


===Road circuits===
===Road circuits===
{{main|Street circuit}}
{{main|Street circuit}}
Flatter meandering motorsport courses are sometimes called 'road circuits', originating in the fact that the earliest road racing circuits were simply closed-off public roads. True road circuits are still in use, e.g. the [[Australian Grand Prix|Australian GP]] has been run in [[Adelaide Street Circuit|Adelaide]] and continues to be in [[Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit|Melbourne]] on regular city streets. The most famous of these are the [[Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco GP]], and the [[Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps|Spa-Francorchamps]] circuit in Belgium. Some racetracks are specifically configured in a long straight, namely [[drag racing]]. Some races will be held only over the straight portion of a track (some horse racing and sprint athletics).
Flatter meandering motorsport courses are sometimes called 'road circuits', originating in the fact that the earliest road racing circuits were simply closed-off public roads. Some car racetracks are specifically configured in a long straight, namely [[drag racing]].


True road circuits are still in use, e.g. the [[Australian Grand Prix|Australian GP]] has been run in [[Adelaide Street Circuit|Adelaide]] and continues to be in [[Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit|Melbourne]] on regular city streets. The most famous of these are the [[Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco GP]], and the [[Circuit de la Sarthe]] circuit in [[Le Mans]], France. These are not permanent facilities built for racing (although parts of the Circuit de la Sarthe are purpose-built, and closed to the public).
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===Converted airfields===
⚫
After [[World War II]], many wartime airfields, particularly in [[Great Britain]], were left without further use. This coincided with a post-war boom in motorsport, and many airfields were converted to race tracks, where the circuit layout usually combined parts of the runways and the surrounding perimeter taxiways. The famous British track at [[Silverstone Circuit|Silverstone]] is a former [[Class A airfield]], as are [[Castle Combe Circuit|Castle Combe]] and [[Goodwood Circuit|Goodwood]]. The long runways were perfect for drag strips such as at [[Santa Pod Raceway]]. This type of track also appears on the popular motoring show ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', which is filmed at [[Dunsfold Aerodrome]], in Surrey, England.


⚫
===Converted airfields===
==Books about race tracks==
⚫
After [[World War II]], many wartime airfields, particularly in Great Britain, were left without further use. This coincided with a post-war boom in motorsport, and many airfields were converted to race tracks, where the circuit layout usually combined parts of the runways and the surrounding perimeter taxiways. The famous British track at [[Silverstone Circuit|Silverstone]] is a former
In 2015, Maurice Hamilton published ''Grand Prix Circuits: Maps and Statistics From Every Formula One Track'', which covers over 70 Grand Prix racing circuits. It provides maps, pictures, and a brief history of each track.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Grand Prix Circuits: History and Course Map For Every Formula One Circuit|last=Maurice|first=Hamilton|isbn=9780008136604|location=London|oclc=951146691|year = 2015}}</ref> Each course map is accompanied by statistics including circuit lengths, lap records, and the names of corners and straights.
[[Class A airfield]], as are [[Castle Combe Circuit|Castle Combe]] and [[Goodwood Circuit|Goodwood]]. The long runways were perfect for drag strips such as at [[Santa Pod Raceway]]. This type of track also appears on the popular motoring show ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', which is filmed at [[Dunsfold Aerodrome]], in Surrey, United kingdom


==See also==
==See also==
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*[http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Main_Page trackpedia.com] Worldwide Motor Racing track wiki
*[http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Main_Page trackpedia.com] Worldwide Motor Racing track wiki
*[http://theracingline.net/racingcircuits/racingcircuits/ racingcircuits.net] Worldwide Motor Racing track database
*[http://theracingline.net/racingcircuits/racingcircuits/ racingcircuits.net] Worldwide Motor Racing track database
*[http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/7/8146.html] When the going gets rough&nbsp;– tyres and track surfaces
*[http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/7/8146.html When the going gets rough] – tyres and track surfaces
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090429122157/http://www.audiotrackguides.co.uk/ AudioTrackGuides.co.uk] Audio walkthroughs of motor racing circuits, for use with games.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090429122157/http://www.audiotrackguides.co.uk/ AudioTrackGuides.co.uk] Audio walkthroughs of motor racing circuits, for use with games.
*[http://trackreviewers.com/ Trackreviewers.com] Motorsport Track Reviews and Information
*[http://trackreviewers.com/ Trackreviewers.com] Motorsport Track Reviews and Information
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Horse racing]]
[[Category:Horse racing terminology]]
[[Category:Racing venues|*]]
[[Category:Racing venues|*]]
[[Category:Sports venues by type]]
[[Category:Sports venues by type]]

Latest revision as of 02:28, 7 November 2023

"Racecourse" redirects here. For other uses, see Racecourse (disambiguation).
For other uses, see Race track (disambiguation).
An aerial view of the Killarney motorsport race track in Cape Town, South Africa
Touring Car race at Brands Hatch circuit

A race track (racetrack, racing track or racing circuit) is a facility built for racing of vehicles, athletes, or animals (e.g. horse racing or greyhound racing). A race track also may feature grandstands or concourses. Race tracks are also used in the study of animal locomotion.

A racetrack is a permanent facility or building. Racecourse is an alternate term for a horse racing track, found in countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates. Race tracks built for bicycles are known as velodromes. Circuit is a common alternate term for race track, given the circuit configuration of most race tracks, allowing races to occur over several laps. Some race tracks may also be known as speedways, or raceways.

A race course, as opposed to a racecourse, is a nonpermanent track for sports, particularly road running, water sports, road racing, or rallying. Many sports usually held on race tracks also can occur on temporary tracks, such as the Monaco and Singapore Grands Prix in Formula One.

A typical racecourse

History

[edit]

Some evidence remains of racetracks being developed in several ancient civilizations. The most developed ancient race tracks were the hippodromes of the Ancient Greeks and the circuses (circi) of the Roman Empire. Both of these structures were designed for horse and chariot racing. The stadium of the Circus Maximus in Ancient Rome could hold 200,000 spectators.

Racing facilities existed during the Middle Ages, and records exist of a public racecourse being opened at Newmarket, in London, in 1174. In 1780, the Earl of Derby created a horse-racing course on his estate at Epsom; the English Derby continues to be held there today. Racecourses in the British Isles are based on grass, known as turf tracks. In the United States, the race tracks are soil.

Motorcycles racing on a highly banked board track in 1911

With the advent of the automobile in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, race tracks were designed to suit the nature of powered machines. The earliest tracks were modified horse-racing courses. Racing automobiles in such facilities began in September 1896, at Narragansett Park in Cranston, Rhode Island. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was opened in August 1909.

Beginning in the early 1900s, motorcycle races were run on high, banked, wooden race tracks called board tracks. During the 1920s, many of the races on the AAA Championship circuit were run on such board tracks. Modern racetracks are designed with spectator safety being paramount, following incidents of spectator and track marshals fatalities. These often involve run-off areas, barriers, and high fencing.

Sports

[edit]
Autódromo José Carlos Pace Racetrack showing safety fencing
Motorcycle ice racing
View of a race track from a race car at Wakefield Park, Australia

Racetracks are used for:

Animal sports

[edit]

Human sports

[edit]

Motor sports

[edit]

Configurations

[edit]
Horseracing track, Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong, showing grandstands

Some racetracks offer little in the way of permanent infrastructure other than the track; others incorporate spectator facilities such as grandstands, hospitality or facilities for competitors, such as pit lanes and garages, paddocks and stables. Several racetracks are incorporated into larger venues or complexes, incorporating golf courses, museums, hotels, and conference centres. Some racetracks are small enough to be contained indoors, for sports such as motocross, track cycling, and athletics.

Many racetracks are multi-use, allowing different types of sport on the same track, or incorporating many tracks in one venue. Commonly, running tracks are incorporated within general use or soccer stadiums, either permanently visible or covered by stands or pitches.

Many horse and motorsport tracks are configurable, allowing different routes or sections. Some venues contain smaller tracks inside larger ones, with access tunnels and bridges for spectators. Some racetracks incorporate a short course and a longer course which uses part of the shorter one, usually the main straight, such as Brands Hatch. The Le Mans road race venue is centred on a smaller permanent circuit within its complex.

The ACI Vallelunga car racing track near Rome, Italy, a typical meandering layout with run-off areas

Surfaces

[edit]
Stadion Haunstetten, a sand track

Surfaces include:

Motorsport

[edit]
"Car track" redirects here. For other uses, see Track car.

Race tracks are primarily designed for road racing competition through speed, featuring defined start-finish lines or posts, and sometimes even a series of defined timing points that divide the track into time sectors. A racetrack for cars (i.e. a car track) is a closed circuit, instead of a street circuit utilizing temporarily closed public roads.

Race tracks can host individual or team sports. Racetracks can feature rolling starts, or fixed starts, with associated equipment (starting blocks, cages, wheel traps etc.) They invariably feature a pit lane, and usually timing equipment.

Track layout

[edit]

Some car tracks are of an oval shape, and can be banked, which allows almost universal spectator views or high speed racing (cycling, stock cars). A famous one is Nardò where high-speed manufacturer testing often takes place, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Some oval tracks are variations on an oval shape, for practical reasons or to introduce varying difficulties such as Talladega (a tri-oval). Most race tracks have meandering circuits with many curves, chicanes and changes in height, to allow for a challenge in skill to the competitors, notably motocross and touring car racing – these tend to predominate throughout most of the world, but especially in Europe.

Photograph from space of Nardò Ring in Italy, it is 12.6 kilometres (7.8 mi) long and is perfectly round – the image was taken from the ISS at an angle making it appear elliptical.

Road circuits

[edit]
Main article: Street circuit

Flatter meandering motorsport courses are sometimes called 'road circuits', originating in the fact that the earliest road racing circuits were simply closed-off public roads. Some car racetracks are specifically configured in a long straight, namely drag racing.

True road circuits are still in use, e.g. the Australian GP has been run in Adelaide and continues to be in Melbourne on regular city streets. The most famous of these are the Monaco GP, and the Circuit de la Sarthe circuit in Le Mans, France. These are not permanent facilities built for racing (although parts of the Circuit de la Sarthe are purpose-built, and closed to the public).

Converted airfields

[edit]

After World War II, many wartime airfields, particularly in Great Britain, were left without further use. This coincided with a post-war boom in motorsport, and many airfields were converted to race tracks, where the circuit layout usually combined parts of the runways and the surrounding perimeter taxiways. The famous British track at Silverstone is a former Class A airfield, as are Castle Combe and Goodwood. The long runways were perfect for drag strips such as at Santa Pod Raceway. This type of track also appears on the popular motoring show Top Gear, which is filmed at Dunsfold Aerodrome, in Surrey, United kingdom

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2015 IFMAR Yatabe Worlds: Astrogate". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  2. ^ "Subject: Electric Section Postal Vote Result & Electric date change" (PDF). International Federation Of Model Auto Racing. 14 December 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-02-18.
  3. ^ "IFMAR Electric Track Racing and Technical Rules" (PDF). IFMAR. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-22. The track surface for 1/12th Class is recommended to be indoors on standardised needle carpet.
  4. ^ "ROAR Rulebook" (PDF). ROAR Racing. 2013. p. 14. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-08-17.
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