Yihahhh!

How many of you fast lads began as cycle racers? The entire group raised their hands. “You all know, then, the value of a velodrome track. A few years back, we were running motorcycles on those velodromes, but these modern machines became too fast, so we took to the horse tracks. You are going now so fast that you have to keep cutting your engineis to make the corners, or you will slide out, right, Shrimp?” he asked Burns. When Shrimp nodded his assent, Prince Asked, “What was the advantage of the velodromes?” Jed raised his hand, remembering his adventures with the Pony Star. “Banked corners and a hard surface” he replied. “Exactly!” said Prince.
“Waht we are going to do boys, is build a wooden motordrome, right here at the Coliseum. It will be like a velodrome, bt it will be much larger, with a steeper banking, and it will only take 3 1/2 laps to compelte a mile. It will also be wide enough that five or six bikes can run abreast. The surface will be of 2x4 planks placed on edge, supported underneath with trestle-like construction. With the baked surface, these modern machines of yours will be able to reach their full potential. I see new speed records being broken, and huge crowds gathered to watch you modern gladiators on your iron steeds, traveling at 100 miles an hour! Board track racing will be America´s newest, and most exciting spectator event, and you will be the entertainers!”
(…)

Not unlike the ROman Coliseum, the board tracks would soon see their share of blood.

The stand faced the straighter sections of te track, although even the “straights were slightly banked, as the track was actually somewaht egg shaped with no straight sections like a horse track. Unline an egg, however, both end sections were identical. Outside the high banked surface was a walkaway for aditional viewing. There was also a a light rail fence running alongside the outer surface, presumably keep the machines from flying of the track. There was an access passageway beneath the track, allowing machines and riders to enter the infield, which would be used as the pits.

(…)
As the stands neared the competition, Jack Prince showed up with a proffessional photographer. The photograapher staged several shots, with bikes and riders on the track with appearance of actual racing. Thin lines attached to the machines allowed a realistic lean, giving the appearance of great speed. Derkum, of course, was positioned in the lead. The pictures appeared in all local papers, promisiing thrills, spills, and more, onthe new Motordome.

The VeloPark and velodrome willl form a crucial training and competition venue for British cyclists. There will be three other other indoor velodromes in the UK and the Olympic Velodrome with seating for 6000 spectators will offer much needed facilities for the whole of the south east.

The velodrome replaces the Authoriry´s Eastway Cycle Circuit, built in the 1970s which had reached the end of its working life. It hosted major national and internatinal events, but like all our sports facilities also catered for regional events and attracted large numbers os schools and community organizations. The design proccesss of the velodrome has involved former Eastway users who have assisted with its design, and with the internatinal BMX facility, one mile road cycle circuit and mountain biking circuit.