Its size makes it ideal for the smaller engined bikes (e.g. 125cc) and is an excellent introduction to art of sliding. Already riders have progressed to the British Under-15 championships and the club’s amateur meetings, whilst many other users are fans of all ages and abilities, and from all over the country, who want to experience the sport in relative safety.

There are a variety of ways to ride the mini-track.

The sessions, which are suitable for riders of all abilities, are now run on Saturdays and Sundays (see dates below) and need to be booked in advance by calling Richard Hollingsworth on 07832-402167 (or e-mail richard @ scunthorpespeedway.com). They are open to riders who need to hire the club’s bikes (125cc -150cc engined bikes) and those with their own machinery.

The price of the sessions is £70 and includes tuition, bike use and equipment hire (helmet, boots, clothing) or £25 for riders with their own bikes.

Youtube clips showing some of the sessions can be viewed by clicking the following links:

What should I bring? You don't need to bring anything but we you might want to wear a top and perhaps trousers underneath the Moto X clothing that is provided. If you do then please wear something that you don't mind getting dirty. You may want to bring some food and drink as the cafe only opens if there are significant numbers using the main track (Amateur meetings and some practice sessions).

Can spectators come and can they take photos or film the session? Yes, that's not a problem at all.

What format does the session take? Wayne will assess the confidence/competence of each participant individually, show them the bikes and give them their first rides. From then on it will be a case of lots of track time throughout the afternoon under the watchful eye and guidance of Wayne. Basically, it is a simple but effective introduction to sliding a speedway bike. Riders aren't forced to ride the same bike (most are 125s but there are two or three larger engined bikes) but can try different bikes or stick to the same one if they prefer.

What ages and ability do you cater for? We cater for people of all ages and ability. Youngsters can easily be accommodated if their inside leg measurement is at least 22 inches (56cm) although smaller pit bikes can be used by prior arrangement. The majority who attend Wayne's sessions are fans of varying ages (so don't let that put you off) whilst we've also had near-professional Moto X riders and plenty of other motorcyclists have their first introduction to a speedway bike on the mini-track.

The mini-track is increasingly being used for corporate hospitality. Groups of up to 12 can be catered for and sessions are usually for four hours.

The cost is £600 which presents a saving of up to £240 compared to individual bookings. There are photos of some of the participants and some of the available dates in the Corporate Hospitality section whilst bookings can be discussed by calling Richard Hollingsworth.

Feedback

Just dropping you a line to say what an awesome day we had last Sunday. Please pass on our many thanks to Wayne, his dad, the old track fella and helpers for their open, friendly and informative contribution throughout the day which made a great day even more enjoyable. We will definitly be back again next year once we all stop walking like John Wayne! - Scott Geary, Craig Moore and Paul Sheppard (Loughborough)

Sorry we had to nip off on Saturday before you had finished. Just to say thank you - Barry had a great day and realised a lifetime ambition! No doubt we will be back at sometime in the future. Once again, many thanks. Kind regards Glennys Potter (Market Harborough)

Just wanted to say my partner had a great time at the speedway last weekend and we would like to thank Wayne for his help and guidance on the day. We will definately be back next year and I will be even be having a go !!. Joanne Farrelly (Coventry)

Just a quick note regarding the track day my boys went on. Just to let you know they both had a brilliant time. Wayne was fantastic with them. Please pass on my thanks to all concerned. Nigel Tullett (East Yorkshire)

Having recently attended a training session on Sunday 25th March 2012 I would like to thank yourself and Wayne Carter for making this experience one which I will remember for a very long time. I do hope that I will be in a position to do it all again in the near future. Having never ridden a motorbike yet alone a speedway bike before I am grateful for the way in which Wayne supported me and built my confidence up along with the the other two people who was at this training session throughout the afternoon. He was absolutely brilliant and i can't thank him enough for all his time and what he did for me and would certainly recommend your training sessions to friends and family if they wish to take up speedway lessons. Hope to see you again later on in the year. Victoria Smith (Leicestershire)

After our, last visit to Scunthorpe, (our 4th so far), we both feel it is the least we can do, to commend you, instructor Wayne Carter and the staff at Scunthorpe, for making our training day another most memorable, enjoyable and instructive occasion. The overnight accomodation you recommended was just one mile from the track.Rooms were clean, we were warmly welcomed and after a good breakfast, were ready for the day. The classroom instruction was invaluable and thorough, leaving plenty of time for the track. Training was as always varied and accommodates the needs of riders of all levels. A sincere thank you from us both. Paul Ridgley (West Midlands)

I’d just like to express sincere thanks to Wayne, Geoff, Alan and everybody involved with the running of the mini-track, and for the club for letting us come and play in their back yard. We have booked several private sessions and intend to run them on a regular basis. We are so hooked that ‘The Lions Den Skidders have had race bibs made, and we have a team captain, Manager and Mascot. It has been described by us as the most fun you can have with your clothes on, and if one considers that for £99 you can have about a minute and a half driving a Lamborghini, or for £50 (NB. This is a group fee of £600 divided by 12, individual cost is £70) you can share 4 hours of thrills, a few spills and just a great day out with friends. The tuition is excellent, anyone that looks any good can be given more input, the plodders are still encouraged and advised, and the best thing is that anyone who has never ridden anything powered on 2 wheels is usually straight into it and end up hooked. The track’s a great size and shape and the bikes are just right for it. No messing about on the straights, it’s into the corners and try to get the back end moving. There’s no waiting about either. Once the session is underway, a bike becomes free, if you want it, jump on it! We wish Scunthorpe Speedway continued success with a fantastic operation and thanks for always being so welcoming! Mike Cowley (Leicester)

Photo of the Lions Den Skidders kindly supplied by Mark Hall Photography

Just need to say a big thanks for Wayne's training day. You know he really is good at teaching, and so much patience with everyone. I think your set up at Scunny is first class and I can't thank you enough for letting us come along and join in, it's like our second home now. I will hopefully be along to the next one on my own bike. Mick Keeling (Buxton)