Lemoore Raceway to host CFTA motorcycle series Saturday; gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Flat track is considered the oldest, longest-running and most traditional motorcycle racing in America. It’s also commonly referred to as “dirt track” racing, with roots dating back almost a hundred years. In recent years the sport has roared back in popularity with people re-discovering this bit of Americana motorsports.

The allure of flat track racing is its intensity, with riders racing mere inches apart, and sliding sideways (known as “backing it in”) through the corners. It’s not uncommon for riders and bikes to make contact. The result is truly a spectacle of uncaged man and machine.

The event will display the talents of both amateur and professional riders, as well youth riders as young as four, and veteran riders over 60 years old. The show will also include quad classes. In addition to their regular program, CFTA will run the increasingly popular Hooligan class, contested on 750cc and larger street motorcycles.

Gates open at 5:30 with opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. Spectator tickets are $12, ages 6-12 and over 65 are $6, with active military and under 6 free.

The CFTA promotes motorcycle flat track racing on the West Coast, and Lemoore’s event on Saturday is the second in a series of championship events, which will culminate on Oct. 22 when the series winds up, once again in Lemoore.

The series began in Prairie City, just east of Sacramento, where has a vehicular recreation area, as well as a track for motorcycles. Riders build up points throughout the season and a championship emerges later this season.

The competition features several classes of motorcycles, from lightweight bikes to heavier motorcycles.  Lemoore Raceway is a premier motorsports facility operated by TZone Promotions, specializing in Micro Sprint Racing. The track is 1 1/5 mile banked clay surface that promotes very close racing.