In many forms of racing

Racing

A sport race is a competition of speed, against an objective criterion, usually a clock or to a specific point. The competitors in a race try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time...

, the straight is that part of the race track

Race track

A race track is a purpose-built facility for racing of animals , automobiles, motorcycles or athletes. A race track may also feature grandstands or concourses. Some motorsport tracks are called speedways.A racetrack is a permanent facility or building...

 in which the competitors travel in a straight line, as opposed to a bend. The term is used in horse racing

Horse racing

Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...

, motor racing and track and field athletics.

In athletics, a typical 400 m track features two straights and two bends. The final straight before the finish line

Finish line (disambiguation)

The Finish Line is the Finish Line Inc., the second largest athletic retailer based in the United States.Finish line may also refer to:* The line in which a race ends...

is known as the home straight, while the other is known as the back straight.

In the United States the home straight in athletics, and also the straight part of a motor racing track, is sometimes referred to as a straightaway.