Vinyl pressings
by Precious Wilson · 1980
On The Race Track was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
8 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 7 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
202912 A-5/80S III Made in GermanyRunout side A, variant 1
202912 B-6/80S Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 1
202912 A-5/80S Made in GermanyRunout side A, variant 2
202912 B-6/80S Made in GermanyRunout side B, variant 2
202912 A-5/80S III Made in GermanyRunout Side A
202912 B-6/80S Made in GermanyRunout Side B
S 202 912 ALabel Side A
S 202 912 BLabel Side B
2029 121 ASide 1 Stamped Runout
2029 121 BSide 2 Stamped Runout
40122 AStamped Runout A
40122 BStamped Runout B
40122-ALabel Side A
40122-BLabel Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Australia | RCA Victor VPL1-6562First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | France | Carrere 67.347First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | German Democratic Republic (GDR) | Hansa International 202 912LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing | LP, Album, Test Pressing · Test pressing |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa International 202 912 / Hansa International 202 912-320First yearLP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1980 | Germany | Hansa 202 912 / Hansa 202 912-320First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Greece | Music-Box SMB 40122 / Music-Box M. BOX. 40122First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Netherlands | Hansa International 202 912 / Hansa International 202 912-320First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Singapore | Polydor 2311 055First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1980 | Taiwan | Hansa International KP-1013 / Polydor KP-1013First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Brazil | Hansa International 202 912LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Italy | Durium DAI 30375LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | Italy | Durium DAI 30375LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1981 | Mexico | Hansa International LAE-327 / Hansa International 202.279LP, Album, Stereo | LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1981 | South Africa | Hansa International ML 4476LP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1981 | UK | Epic EPC 84895LP, Album | LP, Album |
15 vinyl pressings of On The Race Track are listed here, from 13 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in Germany, Australia, France, Greece and more. One of them is Hansa International 202 912.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 202 912, VPL1-6562, 67.347, SMB 40122) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 202912 A-5/80S III Made in Germany and 202912 B-6/80S Made in Germany. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
