In the words of Gille Leenknegt (@gilleee | www.theroadshow.es)…
The El Rollo flat track race took place in the Hypodromo De San Sebastian in Spain, a really cool location in the middle of a one-mile sand horse track with the mountains surrounding it. During the day you get so busy you don’t pay attention to it but when you look around it is so beautiful.
Last year I slept at the track and snuck in really early in the morning; there was a little fog and the sun was still behind the mountains. There were two jockeys training, and the sound of those horses going full speed with everything else dead silent gave me goosebumps — so cool!
Back to bikes: El Rollo has about 120 riders with classes such as pre-1950, pre-1975, pre-1985 and the inappropriate class, meaning you can participate with whatever you have. The pre-75 class is my preferred class racing against mainly all original race bikes that were being raced in the 70s. I’m racing a 1973 Champion-framed Triumph 750; it is a real deal race bike with all the race stuff on it.
We race at the centre of the track on a smaller track than the Hypodromo with a total length of about 250m — this is called short track racing.
This particular track has long turns and a very short straight making it very difficult with powerful and heavy bikes. Difficult means a great show for the spectators, yeehaaa!
What makes El Rollo so unique is: flat track racing is the oldest motorcycle racing sport that exists, but years going by it is now quite niche. We are not used to many spectators at the races and at El Rollo there are hundreds, maybe even thousands.
The night before the race the track had a lot of rain giving it really good natural track prep; the track stayed humid all day making it nice and grippy.
During the day we are racing one qualification and three heats of five laps each. Your qualification lap time gives you your starting position in the first heat and the total points of the three heats give your final result of the race day.
I gave everything and managed to win all of my heats, which means?? Victory lap with the flag, ripping around the track with a wide open throttle with the checkered flag in your left hand.
See y’all next year, or are you riding with me in Spain? Adios amigos!
More from El Rollo 2024
Follow the Photographer / Writer
Photography: Kati Dalek (@kayadaek_photography | Kayadaek Photography)
Text: Kati Dalek and Gille Leenknegt (@gilleee | www.theroadshow.es)
Follow Wheels & Waves
Web: wheels-and-waves.com
Instagram: @wheels_and_waves
Facebook: Wheels and Waves
Fantastic photos! First time in my life I have seen an AJS flat tracker.
That looks like a great event – great bikes, great riders.
And CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER! These shots are RIDICULOUSLY GOOD!