Why 4 Not 2?

[Trevor]

I've often wondered why we Speedway folk talk about four bends on a Speedway track? Clearly there are two straight bits and two bends joining the straight bits together. I know if we say the fourth bend, we all understand but it is a tad daft.

[Gemini]

Yes, I suppose strictly speaking you are correct. It was pointed out to me many years ago by 'False dawn' that there are only two bends on a Speedway track and he should know as he's been round them enough times.

[SCB]

Exeter used to have 4 bends and 4 straights. As did the original Newport.

[Reviresco]

Article 9.2 of the Speedway Regulations states that: 'A track is formed of 2 straights and 2 bends'.

 

I believe the wording that has come into common usage derived from 'Turn 1, 2, 3 & 4' which was used in Australia where the original tracks (Claremont and the Sydney & Royal Melbourne Showgrounds) were so massive that there were a definite 4 turns in a speedway lap and this phrasing was continued when the sport was brought to the UK. 1 turn before and 1 turn after the apex of both bends 1 & 2.

 

The terminology 'Turns 1,2,3 & 4' is also used in other oval sports such as at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and harness racing.

 

It also assists when arranging to meet people at a track, to know which side of the apex they will be located and assists referees to make decisions on the non-existent regulation of 'first bend bunching'

[steve roberts]

I always found it useful when I used to go to speedway that I would sometimes agree to meet someone on the 1st/2nd/3rd/4th bend. Made it easier locating them...of course there were more people then!

Edited March 20, 2016 by steve roberts

[SteveLyric2]

I always agree to meet people in the bar when I go to speedway!!

[tyretrax]

Greyhound races are sometimes over six bends. A race of 670meters the dog would run bends 3&4 then 1&2 then 3&4 again, that's when the race starts on the back straight.

[Daniel Smith]

4 bends is the correct terminology of oval racing. It references the exit and entrance of the straights

[Lioness]

Yes, I suppose strictly speaking you are correct. It was pointed out to me many years ago by 'False dawn' that there are only two bends on a Speedway track and he should know as he's been round them enough times.

Are you saying False dawn is round the bend??

[Vince]

4 bends, 2 corners I was always taught!

[Fourentee]

 

It also assists when arranging to meet people at a track, to know which side of the apex they will be located and assists referees to make decisions on the non-existent regulation of 'first bend bunching'

 

Saw a rider come down on the fourth bend of lap one at Wolves once; race was stopped. Rider who had fallen and caused the stoppage rather cheekily emerged and attempted to take his place in the rerun. "Ah yes," murmured, the gentleman next to me. "Fourth bend bunching..."