A Quick Look At Hooligan Racing

In its earliest form, Hooligan racing can be traced back to Southern California in the late 1940’s when WWII U.S. servicemen were returning home with little cash on hand and a strong desire for thrill. Inexpensive motorcycles (including old military bikes) proved to be just the ticket and before long events were popping up all over the west coast with the mantra being “Run What You Brung.” It was perfect because a guy could hop on his street bike, ride to the “track,” race all night long and then ride it back home. It was motorcycle racing in perhaps its purest and most simple form.

In the 1970s Hooligan Racing resurged when flat-track racers would wheel their street bikes out on the track during intermissions and race each other just for the pure fun of it. Choppers, street machines, mini-bikes, scooters... it didn’t matter what you rode. It was an anything goes attitude that soon provided more fun for the riders than the main events!

Today Hooligan Racing is enjoying another resurgence. Over the past few years, the same spirit that captured those WWII servicemen in the 40s has made its way to small (and not so small) tracks across the country today. And although it’s a little more sophisticated now, the idea remains the same. Amateur riders on basically stock street machines battling bar to bar on small dirt or paved oval tracks... just for the sheer fun of it.

Hooligan Racing’s growing popularity is evident with events like the Boswell’s Hooligan Racing Points Series, the Tennessee State Hooligan Championship and Fist City Flat Track popping up all over the country providing riders, beginner to expert, a lot of fun and the opportunity to test their skills and push themselves to become better and faster riders.

And while it is about the fun... let there be no mistake, Hooligan racers want to win, and it can get serious! In 2017 Hooligan Racing was added to the X Games bringing a whole new audience to the world of Hooligans and adding another level of competition. 

It’s an exciting time for the Boswell’s Hooligan Racing Team and Hooligan racing in general. If you’re not on-board yet, what are you waiting for. Come check it out at the next local race. If you do, we are pretty sure you will be hooked.