Author Topic: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing  (Read 2532 times)

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Offline Graeme M

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The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« on: January 31, 2014, 06:11:11 pm »
Back in 2003, John Langfield wrote a guide to racing dirt track to help train young riders.  This book is still relevant today as it covers many of the skills and techniques necessary to go fast sideways.

You can read it here:
http://ozdirttrack.ning.com/page/the-art-of

And just in case you want to know who John Langfield is, this might help:
http://johnlangfield.com/
« Last Edit: January 31, 2014, 06:12:44 pm by Graeme M »

Offline SlideRulz

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2014, 08:36:36 pm »
Langy was a top rider in his day and I have total respect for his ongoing comittment to the sport but if you listened to him long enough you could be forgiven for thinking he was the best rider never to win a world title or let alone an Aussie title.

Offline Graeme M

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2014, 08:57:33 pm »
I guess to be good you gotta think you ARE good  ;D

Offline Purple Dave

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2014, 10:14:21 pm »
I guess to be good you gotta think you ARE good  ;D

In the day, I had my issues with John Langfield, as did many riders.........having said that, I always knew that when he wore the Aussie breast plate..........he TOOK NO PRISONERS.........that is why I have the utmost respect for this Aussie Sporting Legend... :)
Dirt Track Racer late 60's/throughout 70's

Offline firko

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2014, 10:38:12 pm »
John Langfield's as nutty as a fruit cake but nobody can deny his passion to the sport. No harder man has ever ridden a slider, as anyone who was ever on the outside of him in the last corner will tell you. He's a little bloke with a huuuge ticker.
'68 Yamaha DT1 enduro, '69 Yamaha 'DT1 from Hell' '69 DT1'Dunger from Hell, '69 Cheney Yamaha 360, 70 Maico 350 (2 off), '68 Hindall Ducati 250, Hindall RT2MX, Hindall YZ250a , Cycle Factory RT2MX flat tracker, Yamaha 1T250J, Maico 250 trials, '71, Boyd and Stellings TM400, Shell OW72,750 Yamaha

Offline SON

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2014, 11:46:54 pm »
John Langfield's as nutty as a fruit cake but nobody can deny his passion to the sport. No harder man has ever ridden a slider,
Norman James Fraser

Offline Purple Dave

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2014, 11:50:22 pm »
When discussing Langey, I think of the OLD days of Rugby League...........I'm an OLD Magpie.........and in the DAY no one DESPISED St George lock, Rod Reddy more than me, however, when playing for Australia against our mortal enemy, Great Britain, along with Tommy Terrific, I LOVED...........ROCKET REDDY !!...........John Langfield, you are right up there with them, World/Australian Championship or not............. :P
Dirt Track Racer late 60's/throughout 70's

Offline SON

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2014, 12:11:04 am »
About 10 years ago Langers was the Steward at a meeting I promoted MX Nats or Speedway,
Normally it's the Promoter that looks after the Steward, John knew my love of US Flattrack Twins so he bought his autographed Springer shirt up and gave it to me,
Every time we see each other since, he makes sure I am looking after it.
Just a good bloke,
Fruity as a nutcake!!!

Offline SlideRulz

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2014, 07:53:05 am »
No one can deny his courage, riding ethics maybe.
Thats an interesting read.

Offline pancho

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Re: The Art of Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2014, 01:44:05 pm »
 I too remember some of his horrible crazy history, but you can't take away his achievements and his crowd pleasing ability.
 I have a copy of his booklet and it is an interesting read and contains some good tips and inspiration to juniors who want to succeed.

  But I think he must have been a bugger of a kid!
 
 cheers pancho
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