Where the early days of moto racing were road-based events: hill climbs, rallies, and city to city races, serious accidents in the international road races in the early years of 20th century led to the development of the purpose-built racetracks on which drivers could compete with little to no risk to the general public.

Brooklands was the world's first purpose-built racetrack and was soon followed by circuits in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the United States. As the passion for speed spread around the world, so too did the facilities enable the pursuit of racing.