The Idle Race was a British rock band from Birmingham. It was formed in 1959 (as The Nightriders) and remained active until 1972. The group had several line-ups over this period, with prominent members including Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood (co-founders of Electric Light Orchestra), along with Trevor Burton (of The Move).

Three albums were released between 1968 and 1971. Despite positive critical reception on much of their work, the band received little commercial success.