The biggest event on the speedway calendar returns to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday, July 18 for its 20th year.
The 2020 Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) will pay homage to two decades of high-octane racing in the Welsh capital on St David’s Day by providing local residents with a special 20% ticket discount.
Apart from the on-track action, Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event will mark its 20th anniversary with a host of activities for the huge crowds expected to descend on the Welsh capital.
The popular FanZone will also make a return to City Hall Lawn, providing free entertainment for the whole family with live performances from special guests, the Monster Energy Rig Riot, autograph sessions with the SGP riders and a range of food and drink stalls.
Speedway Grand Prix will see the world’s best riders’ race against each other at speeds that can exceed 120kmph on 500cc bikes with a single fixed gear and no brakes.
The iconic Principality Stadium will be transformed into a world-class speedway venue, as 3,500 tonnes of dirt are specially imported to create the unique track required for the race.
Over its 20-year residency, Speedway has become the longest-standing third-party event to be hosted at the famous rugby stadium, which is also celebrating its 20th year.
Since 1999, the stadium has been synonymous with sporting excellence. In June of that year it featured a Wales rugby union win against South Africa. Speedway showcased the stadium’s multi-purpose capabilities in 2001 by staging the Grand Prix; where for the first time the stadium was transformed into a world-class racing venue.
Steven Gould, Vice President & Managing Director of BSI Speedway at IMG Events, the promoter of FIM Speedway Grand Prix, said: “In 2020 we are proud to celebrate Cardiff being the home of Speedway in the UK for 20 years and the marquee event on the Speedway Grand Prix calendar.
“We feel it is fitting to recognise the support we have received from everyone associated in making Cardiff a standout success over the years. The local fans have been a large part of that success story.
“We are looking forward to returning to Wales and to welcoming even more local fans to join the throng of international visitors in experiencing the exhilaration of world-class speedway in their home town.”
Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager, said: “Speedway has been a key fixture at the stadium since 2000, it’s formed part of our history, and it’s been a key component in cementing the stadium’s worldwide reputation for excellence within the entertainment and sporting industries.
“The stadium is transformed year on year into a top racing venue that’s unlike any other event – the noise of the bikes, the atmosphere and the entertainment, all make it a family event to be a part of.
“We’re thrilled that Speedway’s back for the 20th year (which also coincides with our own 20th anniversary) and look forward welcoming fans from all over the globe to Cardiff once more.”
On July 18, 15 riders representing nine different nations will battle it out for World Championship points, with Great Britain rider and four-times world champion Tai Woffinden hoping to take gold in Cardiff for the first time.
Riders will compete over 20 heats, followed by two semi-finals and a final. For each heat four riders will complete four laps of the track on bikes that run on methanol – an environmentally friendly fuel. Points are awarded to riders at the end of each Grand Prix meeting, with the rider who has the most points at the end of the Series being crowned World Champion.
The event begins at 17:00 and, depending on racing, will end around 20:00 with a closing ceremony that includes an award-winning indoor firework display. The dedicated Fanzone will be at Cardiff City Hall Lawn from 11:00-15:30.
To celebrate the 20 years of Speedway, BSI Speedway, the promoter of Speedway Grand Prix, has selected 20 picture ‘moments’ which you can download here – from Tony Rickardsson becoming the first British SGP winner in 2001 to Maciej Janowski who was the first Polish rider to win in Cardiff in 2017.
Discounted tickets will be available to purchase for residents across South Wales from March 1 via this link https://bit.ly/2HilzIg using the discount code: SGP20*. Ticket prices will start at £20.
