SONS OF SPEED Daytona 2019

LET THE RACES BEGIN…

Daytona Bike Week, New Smyrna Speedway

Inspired by early 20th century board-track races the Sons Of Speed Race has motorcycles that are direct drive meaning no clutch or transmission (when the engine is running the rear wheel is turning) in what is called the 61 classes.

Early 61s are the older and slower 61 cubic inch boardtrack racers
Hot 61s are the faster 61-cubic-inch boardtrack racers
45 Shoot Out are the 45-cubic-inch flathead racers.

The amount of motorcycles in each class has increased by a large number since this event first statrted just a couple of years ago.

New Smyrna Speedway is a high banked race track and the 61s need to be push started and sometimes they go to the top of the race track and take advantage of being pushed down the banked track to help them get started while other push on pit row.

Some of the racers ride different motorcycles in different classes using the same number on the motorcycle, as well as some with different numbers so the spectators and officials need to pay close attention, which adds to the fun

As you see there are numerous women in this race along with the men. There is very strong competition among all of them.

With these almost 100-year-old bikes, shit happens constantly, like parts breaking. Crews work like mad men and women repairing them in the pits between heats.

As with all things motorcycle there is plenty to see besides the races. I really enjoy this event and suggest if you ever get a chance to attend one, and you can bring your children as well. It is totally a family and history lesson event.

There is on average five motorcycles in each race, which is called a HEAT. The winner and runner up end up racing winners of other heats until there is A Winner