Race Definitions
Scratch Race
The scratch race is a basic mass start race. All riders start from the rail and race for a set number of laps. A
neutral lap is usually held to ensure a safe and fair start. A bell rings with one lap to go. First rider across the
line wins. Scratch races can vary in in distance from short – 1km (4 laps) or Metric Mile (6 laps) to long 20km
(80 laps) or anywhere in between.
Points Race
A points race is a mixture of sprinting and fast endurance racing. A predetermined number of sprints occur at
set intervals-usually every 5 or 10 laps. A bell rings with one lap to go before each sprint. Points are awarded
to the top 4 riders across the line for each sprint (5,3,2,1). Riders are awarded 20 points if they lap the field or
conversely have 20 points subtracted if they lose a lap to the main field. The rider with the most points at the
end of the race wins. Ties are broken by the finish sprint.
Point-a-Lap
A point-a-lap is a mass start race run over a set distance with all riders starting from the rail. After a neutral lap,
the first rider across the line for each lap earns one point. Final sprint awards 5,3,2,1 points to the first 4 riders.
Rider with the most points at the end of the race wins. Ties are broken by the finish sprint.
Tempo
A tempo is run just like a Point-a-lap, but with 2 and 1 points going to the first and second riders across the line
each lap. Final sprint awards top 3 riders 3,2,1 points. The rider with the most points at the end of the race
wins. Ties are broken by the finish sprint.
Snowball
A Snowball is a mass start race run over a set distance. The first rider across the line at the end of the first lap
earns one point. The first rider across the line at the end of the second lap earns 2 points, etc., with the number
of points for the first rider across the line for each lap “snowballing” until the end of the race. Only the leader of
each lap receives points including the final lap. The rider with the most points at the end of the race wins. Ties
are broken by the finish sprint.
The Snowball Sprint
The same rules as the Snowball apply but this event is held over distances of 5 laps or LESS!
Elimination
Elimination starts from the rail, after a neutral lap, riders are “eliminated” every other lap. The bell rings to
signify the elimination lap has begun, the following time around the rider whose real wheel is the last wheel
across the finish line is pulled rom the race. The eliminations continue until there is only one rider remaining.
SuperSprint
The Super Sprint is a combination of Elimination and Scratch race. This race usually begins with an
elimination segment. This takes the field down to a pre-determined number 6-10 riders, following the
elimination segment the remaining riders then race the “scratch race” segment of the bike race.
Win and In
The Win and In race is usually held over 24 laps. Sprints are held every 4 laps with the “winner” of the first 5
sprints "qualifying" for the final sprint. After the “qualifying” portion of the race is over and there are 5 qualifiers,
the rest of the field will leave the track and the qualifiers will receive 4 laps to go for the final sprint
Win-n-Out
This race is usually held over 12 laps. A bell rings with 5 laps to go in the race. The first rider across the line on
the next lap takes 1st place. The bell rings again with 3 laps to go with the first placed rider across the line
taking 2nd the bell rings finally with 1 to go to place the riders from 3rd place on.
Chariot Race
A chariot is an all out one and ½ lap sprint for the finish line from a held standing start. Riders line up across
the track on the back straight and race all out from the gun!
Unknown Distance (Scratch)
As its name implies, the Unknown Distance is a mass start “scratch race” run over an unknown distance. A bell
rings with one lap to go to signal the sprint to the finish.
Mystery Point-a-Lap
Similar to a standard point-a-lap with 1 point awarded to the 1st rider every lap however the distance is a
mystery – though the riders will be given a “range” of laps – i.e. between 8-15 laps or another range.
The Joker
This race is a Points Race with sprints usually occurring every 5 laps. Points are only awarded to the winner of
each sprint. The points for each sprint are determined by pulling a card from the deck of cards. (Face cards are
worth 10 pts and Aces are 11pts). The winner of the race is the rider with the most points with ties broken by
the final sprint. UNLESS the Joker is turned up, ALL of the points are thrown out. The lap cards are then set to
5 to go and the race becomes a a Scratch race with no points awarded and the finish order is determined by
the order of finish at the final sprint.
Handicap
This race the stronger riders are given a greater distance to complete to win. Theoretically this is to equalize
competition and have maximum riders together at the finish.
Keirin
The Keirin is a 5lap race with 6 riders starting from a standing start. The riders draft behind a motor
pacer for the first 3.5 laps with the motorcycle gradually accelerating up to 30 mph before it departs from the
track. Riders draw for position prior to the race with the lowrider obligated to take the wheel of the motorcycle
at the start. Once the race starts, rider may jockey for position behind the motorcycle but may not pass it. Once
the motor pulls off, with 1.5 laps
to go, it is an all-out sprint for the finish line. The event is a popular paramutual gambling event in Japan, much
like horse or greyhound racing found in the USA
Madison
The Madison is a high speed, two person points race relay. One partner from each team starts the race from
the rail while the “resting” partner pedals slowly along the top of the track. Partners exchange positions by
pulling even with each other and then relaying or “slinging” the incoming partner into the race. Like a points
race, sprints occurs at pre-determined intervals (typically every 8-10 laps) during the race. Unlike the Points
Race, the Madison scores teams on laps taken over points earned