Actually Shinko makes 17" flat track tires. Only thing I see as a problem is the rear rim width of most 17 street rims - too wide by about 1-1/4". I saw a guy at Lima running the 17s on one of the Harley/Aermacchi 250s in one of the classes at the spring Lima regional. One reason for why 17s could be run on 500cc and smaller in a hooligan type set up.
Just listened to the Tank Slappin' episode with Sammy. It was old, winter of 2019-20, but they got on some of the track prep stuff. These are some really interesting and entertaining conversations. One of the take aways so far is that the real danger in the 450 singles is not the track, but the riders. These guys talk about moving down, they don't like doing so, but ya gotta eat. The repeated comments are that the new riders in the 450s just get, how do we put this... overly enthusiastic and bounce off each other. Not bad on shorter better tracks, but definitely dangerous at 100+ mph and on bad track surfaces. Another take away was that a track may be fabulous one year, but for any number of reasons, is crap the next... or vice versa. So far they don't have much solution to the situation. Kind of look forward to the podcasts with Morehead and Locke. Still another is the recognition that there needs to be a blend of brands, but no easy solution. They seem to like the 450s and would like to see the Production Twins more prominent in broadcasts to add to the value for sponsors and help grow the sport in all classes. It's just enjoyable to sit down on the "veranda", fire up a stogie, and listen to another Tank Slappin' to see what comes up next.
Yeah. A broken leg. A broken arm. Plastic surgery on face looks like he coulda easily lost an eye but didnt. All fun and games. Speaking as someone who has worn various casts for months due to racing and riding,its part of the game. Hard to laugh it off after the first month or so.
I take it you've never seen a good asphalt short track? I saw one of the old MARS races years ago at Charlotte. Totally awesome. They used worn out flat track tires and it was as good as a lot of flat track races, backing them in and sliding out on XR750s, sometimes with wisps of front tire smoke on the way in. I'd go see another. I don't remember any get-offs in the races. Can't say the same for the Legends short track cars. I think they did more laps cruising after spin outs than actual race laps. Booorrrinnng! Most of the crowd wanted them to bring on the bikes for more race laps. Probably darn near like perfect dirt, like some ice racing.
1. Is it motorcycle racing? - Yes 2. Is it on an oval track - Yes Then it is flat track, IMO When you started board track racing, was that considered flat track?
I didn't say one word about the good old days or board track racing !!!!!! Have you ever saw a rider get off on a 1/2 mile asphalt track? It can be {BAD}
Wondering what kind of crap your hero will say? No I haven't seen a short track, but have seen a 1/2 mile but didn't leave as quick as I should have saw a rider high side an broke his right leg in several places. Will never go to another asphalt race including short track. I don't go to flat track hoping to see CRASHES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The fatal crash at the Connecticut round of the SuperMoto championship occurred where the SM track used corners 3 & 4 of the 1/2 mile paved oval.
I watched the Supermoto in Columbus in 2003 and the asphalt race at Charlotte. Charlotte was a relatively short track. A few crashes at low speed at Columbus, one being Chris Fillmore, and no crashes at Charlotte. A half mile is probably too big, the short tracks are likely very much like a bit bigger indoor races on concrete. If all racing was based on injury and fatalities no races would be held. Pretty simple. If that's what guides your attendance did you quit going to dirt track races? By the way, I actually think more of the crap comes from you.
Right off I can think of 8 states we have went to for national dirt track races ! How many have you been to (NATIONALS) ? WHY IS A HALF MILE TOO BIG ?
@ossadmr Good for you! Did you actually think about the topic while you read? Seems like you missed it there when you made your comment. Go back, read what you wrote, what it was about, then read what I wrote and think what it was about.