• Speedways have long histories that stretch all the way back to the Prohibition Era.car racing image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
  
  Racing down a car track is an experience that many people wish they could experience but simply cannot. The speedway is a fast paced sports area that requires great racing skills to master. However, there are many games online that can give players the chance to experience this thrill. These games are free to play and simple to understand.
  
  

'Cycle Speedway'

• "Cycle Speedway," a free online game available at the Flash Rolls website is a first person speedway game that emphasizes speed and careful control. Players race on a race track filled with hair pin turns and long straight areas. They start with 30 seconds and must make it to the next check point before that time runs out. If they hit that check point, they get another 30 seconds. The game continues like this until players hit all five check points or run out of time. If players hit all five check points they get bonus 50,000 points. They earn points for each second they are on the race track and lose points for crashing. Control it simple and intuitive. Players press the up arrow on the keyboard to accelerate. Down is brake which is useful in tight turns. The left and right buttons turn in their respective directions. Once they finish, players can post their scores online.
  
  

'Speedway Challenge'

• "Speedway Challenge," a free online game available at the Postopia website challenges players to master three different tracks. Players race in a first person, 3D view which can be adjusted depending on the speed of your computer. Control is similar to "Cycle Speedway." Players press the up button to accelerate, down to slow down and the left and right arrows to turn. However, the space bar is used in this game to give you an immediate stop. The game starts with a qualifying lap. Doing well on the qualifying lap gives you a great starting position. Players can ram other cars and pass narrowly to advance. Getting hit causes damage which can be repaired in the pit stop. The pit stop helps refuel your car as well but it slows down your lap times and can cost you a race. There are bonuses on the race track like tires and suspension which can be used to fix your car without stopping. These are unfortunately rare. You can then post your scores online.
  
  

'Speedway Showdown'

• "Speedway Showdown," a free online game available at the Hype Games website gives players a chance to race three different types of tracks. There is the drag strip, where players have to build speed as quick as possible on a straight course, a road course that features off-road challenges and twisting tracks and a NASCAR like oval racetrack. Players get the chance to build their car, including the look, the engine, the suspension and other aspects. Once they have built their car, they race in a first person view. There are three races on each track. Players must win the first two to move on to the last championship race. Beating this race wins the track and lets players post their scores online to compete against other players from around the world.