What Happened To Dirt Track? - Harley Forum

BaggerDad · #1 05-17-2008, 12:05 PM

What happened to the Harley dirt trackers that were so popular in the past.

Guys like Springer, Carr and others were big names in the past. I hardly ever hear about them any more.

#2 05-17-2008, 01:30 PM

Hey Baggerdad

There is still some AMA flat track racing happening but not like it was back in the day. There are still some XR750's running a certain type of class by themselves and the main focus for flat track is on bikes with hot twin cylinders (like a Rotax) in racing frames. Pick up a copy of Cycle News at your local dirtbike accessory dealer for a schedule. I think there are still a few big AMA flat track events every year, like at Springfield (I think). This kind of racing has gone the way of Indy Car racing which has been over shadowed by NASCAR.

The real main focus in dirt bike racing is in motocross, road racing, street moto, and freestyle trick riding. That's where the big money is and where the new stars are. And it is very exciting with lots of flash. By the way, I think I read somewhere that Springer was in some way involved in the new racing stuff. Times change for sure but, hey, it's all good and still super big fun too.

Wrightturn · #3 05-19-2008, 01:15 AM

I miss it.
AMA racing in the 60s and 70s meant both roadracing and dirt (flattrack). Friday night races from Md. to Nc were part of growing in up in Va. I was never any good at road racing but I could compete in the dirt. The bikes were simple. No brakes and everybody knew everybody. I go to Daytona for the first GN evey year to see friends I made over 40 years ago. Some of the names on the track are the same but it is their grandchildren.
The loss of brand identification may have caused fans to loose interest. I can remember having Harley, Triumph, BSA, Norton all on the track at the same time. No Rotax engines. I think I smell Castrol R.
If you put it together you can still buy an XR750 engine. Don`t tempt me.