Everything you need to know about speedway
The 2019 edition of the Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix returns to Principality Stadium in Cardiff next weekend. Here’s our guide to the event...
WITH this year’s Rugby World Cup taking place in Japan, there’ll be a noticeable absence of autumn international rugby fixtures this year. However, there will be no shortage of entertainment in the Welsh capital as the world’s best speedway riders head to Cardiff on Saturday, September 21, to race against each other at electrifying speeds exceeding 115kmph on 500cc bikes with a single fixed gear and no brakes.
While Wales is well-known for its love of rugby, Cardiff has a deeprooted history with speedway which dates back to the 1920s. The first speedway meeting took place on Boxing Day in 1928 at the old White City Stadium on Sloper Road. It was an immediate success with more than 20,000 people attending the event.
Fast-forward nearly a century and Cardiff’s connection with speedway is
as strong as ever, with thousands of locals expected to attend what is the longest standing third party event at the Principality Stadium.
Having called Cardiff’s famous stadium home since 2001, the biggest event of the worldwide speedway calendar will return for a 19th year with ticket prices starting at only £20.
As well as world-class racing, a dedicated Fanzone at City Hall lawn will draw visitors to the Welsh capital for an action-packed day of familyfriendly entertainment featuring live performances, autograph sessions with the SGP riders, free giveaways and a range of food and drink stalls.
The world-class stadium will be transformed into a speedway track with 3,500 tonnes of dirt.
The main event sees 16 of the world’s best motorcycle riders go head to head at speeds of up to 70mph on bikes with no brakes on a purposebuilt shale track. British riders Tai Woffinden, Robert Lambert and Wildcard Charles Wright will be giving it their all in the hope for a win on home soil. Before the racing kicks off, be sure not to miss the action-packed fanzone on City Hall lawn from 11am to 3.30pm with free admission for all.
There is a full day’s entertainment on offer so you can soak up the atmosphere, including jaw-dropping mountain bike stunt performances, free running shows, live music and Q&As with some special guests.
The party starts under the Principality Stadium roof from 3.30pm where you can experience the incredible atmosphere with pyrotechnics, live music and more entertainment before the racing even starts.
Families, friends and kids (big and small) are in for a night of non-stop wheel-to-wheel motorsport action when the racing fires up. Plus, we’ve made sure you leave the event on a high with a spectacular award winning indoor fireworks display.
■ Tickets start from £20 with family packages also available. Tickets and more info can be found at speedwaygp.com