Motorbike racing is the two-wheeled counterpart of car racing. Replacing cars with motorbikes, motorbike racing is as popular and has grown in stature to become a well-liked spectator sport across the globe. There are many countries in the world where motorbike racing is common. Like car racing, motorbike races are also held on specially made circuits and tracks. Public roads are used for certain races. Over the years, motorbike racing has become an important sport in the betting world. The viewership on television and attendance at live events has increased, leading to motorbike racing becoming a multi-billion dollar sport. European countries are at the forefront when it comes to motorbike racing. Australia also has a strong motorbike racing culture.
There are many different types of motorbike racing. The categories are broad and have a number of subcategories.
Road racing is the most common type of motorbike racing. A majority of the motorbike racing events feature road racing as opposed to off road racing and track racing. The tracks, called road courses, are designed exclusively for the road races. Sometimes, temporary facilities are set up to hold road races.
Motocross (MX) is the main form of off road racing. The races are held in closed circuits where there are no roads. Instead, the surface is made from a number of materials such as dirt, mud, grass or sand. A distinctive feature of motocross racing is the elevation that the riders achieve by ascending slopes, natural or artificial, and letting their bikes stay in the air for a while.
Enduro and cross-country races are designed to test the endurance of the riders. They have to complete laps which are sometimes longer than ten miles in length. The race takes them through a variety of terrains, often through forests. Enduro races are also held off road, making it all the more difficult for the bikers to complete it.
Track racing involves the riders riding their backs around an oval track, trying to complete the race before their competitors. Track racing is also very popular and many events are held where the riders have to ride around the track.
There are different major events for each category of motorbike racing. By far the most popular motorbike racing event is the Motorcycle Grand Prix, commonly known as Moto GP. It is a road racing event, held since 1949. Over the years, it has become popular enough to challenge the Formula One for viewership on television. Several classes of motorbikes are allowed to take part in the Moto GP, with the horsepower ranging from 125 cc to 1,000 cc.
In track racing, the speedway events are the most popular. The speedway is oval shaped and the riders have to complete the laps using only one gear. Moreover, they cannot use the brakes at all. The excitement of the event is enhanced by including slopes and other obstacles in the course.
Motorbike racing, particularly the Moto GP has a universal following. Millions of people tune in to watch the races on television with many more in attendance. Motorbike racing and car racing are the two most watched spectator sports at present. The variety available in motorbike racing is another reason why it has grown in popularity. Some events are held just for the bikers to show off stunts and tricks which impress those in attendance. There is no doubt that motorbike racing is a force to be reckoned with and can edge out car racing in terms of popularity.
The attraction of the two-wheeled vehicles blazing through the track is tempting for any person who loves speed. Motorbike racing is more thrilling than car racing when you are viewing from the edge of the track. This is why people are attracted towards it. This has led to motorbike racing becoming one of the major sports for betting on. Millions of dollars are bet on the Moto GP and other major events. The variety of events ensures that you have plenty of options to choose from. You can place your best through the on-course bookmakers or their websites. A safe option is to bet through the totalisator agency board, which updates the results of the motorbike races in real time.