Road races as training for track endurance

When I lived in London, my road bike was used purely for commuting and getting to HHV.

Now that I'm back home, a lot of track riders recommend road racing as training for endurance events. I had a reasonable enough season (8th in the national scratch race in August), having done only 3 road races very early in the road season.

What are your thoughts? Do most people that race track endurance events supplement their training with a bit of road racing? Would I be at any disadvantage if I didn't road race?

Every little helps I suppose, there is no substitute for racing, wether it's TT, road or track, it all compliments each other in my opinion. Racing will make you a stronger rider.

Agree any racing is good - crits are ideal - the constant accelerations & jumping gaps are similar to what you get racing endurance on the track.

They're certainly the quickest way for me to build up my fitness

Why not use cyclocross for the same purpose? It's nearer to the right length and more intense.. and you don't have to spend 4 hours in the rain, not getting into the break and rolling in with all the choppers.

Plus if you fall off, you're more likely to get away with it than end up with a face full of asphalt.

Racing on the road is perfect training for track endurance. Look at Niki Terpstra.