Rounding it up for Trackpete.
The Match Sprint racing in the "blue ribbon event" of the Track.
Requires a lot more tactics than most, and experience is gained by doing it.
Acceleration, bike-handling, and the ability to muster a final burst are important.
Scratch racing is a bunch start, over a set distance (up to 20Km) or a number of laps.
Each rider takes a turn at the front, for a half lap or so, depending on the size of the track.
There is a final Sprint, with around 3-4 laps to go, you should be in the first third of the
bunch, on a good riders wheel. With 2-laps to go, you ideally be in the first half-dozen riders.
With one lap to go you could be 3 back, on a good wheel,
and then let loose down the back straight. With speed you could win.
As for Points Races, distance can be like a Scratch Race, up to 20Km or x-laps, with Sprints,
every 3 or 5 laps, you get points 3,2,1 for being in the first three places each Sprint, and
at the end the points are totalled. In the event of tied points,
the winner of last Sprint wins overall, usually. Madison is another form of this race.
Pursuit, is between 2000m-4000m, a match as in a Sprint, between 2 riders (either side of track)
Not a popular event, time consuming, and can be boring for rider and spectators.
It was mentioned that Track Sprint series are rare at Club meets,
well can't see Pursuit ever even getting a run.
During my Tour of Europe, each Major City has a Sprint "Grand Prix" it was the Event.
During my travels, a Pursuit Exhibition was very rare, and only for show,
and only usually for the current or ex World Champion.
You train by the clock, and it's a plodders event usually. IMO.
Hope that helps you out Pete, Good Luck.
Have raced in all of these types of events, myself.
A lot of HARD work ahead.