Using lightweight, single-gear bikes built solely for this type of competition, racers battle handlebar-to-handlebar on ultra-short oval dirt tracks typically a quarter-mile in length or less. Races typically last four laps, putting a premium on good starts, and the ability to slide the rear of the bike all around the oval.

In the United States, most speedway activity is in California, where the sport has a large following and draws thousands of fans. Internationally, speedway is one of the most popular forms of motorsport racing. One of the greatest speedway racers of all time on the world level is a four-time world champion American Greg Hancock.