What Is Flat Track Racing? The Culture, The Bikes, and the Gear You Need to Get Started
Flat track racing is pure grit. It’s riders sliding sideways around a dirt oval, throttle pinned, bars crossed up, and hearts wide open. It’s one of America’s oldest forms of motorcycle racing, and today the scene is alive again thanks to builders, racers, and brands that refuse to let the tradition fade.
Whether you’ve been watching the pros fly through corners in the American Flat Track series or you just discovered it while scrolling through moto reels, this guide breaks down what flat track racing is all about and how to get started yourself.
The Bikes: Simple, Fast, and Built for the Slide
Flat track bikes are built for one thing: controlled chaos. They’re stripped down, balanced machines with lowered suspension, no front brakes, and engines tuned for torque and traction on clay and dirt.
You’ll see everything from vintage singles to modern twins on the grid — Royal Enfields, Yamahas, Harleys, and custom trackers that started life as street bikes. Riders often adjust gearing, tires, and ergonomics to match local tracks and personal preference.
The magic comes from the connection between the rider, the throttle, and the dirt. Every lap is a test of feel and control.
The Gear: What You Need to Ride and Look the Part
If you’re planning to hit the track or even just hang out in the pits, you’ll want the right gear. It needs to be functional, protective, and still have that classic flat track style.
Helmet — Arai
Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you’ll own. Arai helmets are trusted by racers around the world for their comfort, ventilation, and unmatched protection. They offer wide eye ports for better visibility and are built to handle long days at the track. Pair one with a good set of goggles to keep the dust out.
Boots and Hot Shoes — Mike Butler
If flat track has a signature piece of equipment, it’s the hot shoe. Every rider slides with one strapped to their left boot, a curved metal sole that lets the foot skim across the dirt without grabbing or catching. It’s what allows you to plant your inside foot and balance the bike while sliding at speed.
Mike Butler is one of the best in the business at crafting them. Each shoe is handmade and can be built to fit either a traditional moto boot or a road race style boot, depending on your preference. They’re tailored for your foot shape and riding position, which makes all the difference in control and comfort.
Wheels and Tires — Lowrey & Dunlop
Performance starts where rubber meets the dirt. Lowrey Wheels are known across the community for their precision and durability, while Dunlop Tires are the trusted choice for traction and control on any track surface. Together they define the feel of a good race bike: balanced, responsive, and ready to dig in.
Leathers and Moto Gear
A proper set of leathers or padded moto gear makes all the difference when you start pushing limits. Protection and fit go hand in hand, keeping you safe without slowing you down. And when you’re off the track, Flat Track Vault has lifestyle gear made to keep things fun — apparel that carries that same racing energy wherever you go. Check out our latest collections.
Learn to Ride: Where to Start from Day One
The best way to experience flat track is to learn from someone who’s mastered the art of sliding. Johnny Lewis’ Moto Anatomy Slide School powered by Royal Enfield is one of the best places to start. They supply the bikes, gear, and coaching so you can focus on learning body position, throttle control, and balance. It’s an incredible way to gain confidence before stepping into local races or building your own tracker.
Where to Start Racing: Districts, Promoters, and Pathways
Getting into flat track is easier than most people think. All you need is the right gear, a solid attitude, and a place to ride.
1. AMA Racing Districts
Start local. The American Motorcyclist Association has racing districts all over the country. Each one has its own calendar, events, and beginner-friendly classes.
Find your nearest district here and reach out to connect with local racers.
2. Cory Texter Promotions
If you’re ready to compete in well-organized amateur events, check out Cory Texter Promotions. They run races throughout the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast that are perfect for riders looking to gain experience in a pro-style environment.
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3. Build. Train. Race. (BTR)
Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program is one of the best introductions to professional flat track for women riders. It’s a full-circle experience that covers bike building, training, and competition. Many BTR racers have gone on to compete in AFT events and continue to grow the sport.
4. American Flat Track (AFT)
This is the big stage. AFT is the top level of flat track racing in the United States and features the best riders in the world. Watching a live event is an unforgettable experience and a great motivator for anyone dreaming of racing professionally.
The Culture: Dirt, Community, and Legacy
Flat track isn’t just a sport. It’s a community built on respect, tradition, and a shared love for the ride. It’s families camping at the track, racers lending each other parts, and photographers capturing the perfect slide.
You’ll meet builders who shape tanks by hand, tuners who can read a motor by its sound, and lifelong fans who’ve watched the sport evolve for decades. Every weekend at the track feels like stepping into a family gathering that just happens to involve roaring engines and flying dirt.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to feel that rush of sliding into a corner, there’s no better time to start. Flat track has a place for anyone who loves motorcycles and community.
At The Vault, we’re here to keep that spirit alive through gear, stories, and shared passion. Whether you’re just starting out or have been racing for years, welcome to the family.