Preview: British FIM Speedway Grand Prix (22nd July)

So, unlike the majority of the MotoGP paddock, I didn’t head off into the sunset for my summer break when the chequered flag fell at the Sachsenring…in actual fact I caught a flight to Sweden and then later in the week to Poland for the Monster Energy Speedway World Cup. 

It was honestly so much fun, two things I personally recommend…Monster Energy Speedway World Cup and Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (Des Nations); similar in concepts, country against country but unique in feel and atmosphere. Especially if you don’t follow the world championships, then they’re a good one-off event to buy into.

In saying that, this Saturday (22^nd July) is the Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, round six of the championship. Now despite it being my first season covering Speedway, I have actually hosted this event before and if you’ve never been, get yourself a ticket and come down. The noise in the stadium literally sends chills down your body. Warsaw gives Cardiff a run for it’s money as the jewel of the SPG crown stakes but a lot of riders will still say that Cardiff is the one.

Our British hope, Tai Woffinden, knows how it feels to win in these big venues taking last year’s victory at Warsaw but despite being twice world champion he still chases a homegrown grand prix win;

“The thing that makes Cardiff so good is mainly the atmosphere, the way the stadium is built and the fans sit quite high, the atmosphere is better than anywhere else in the series…it’s the one to be at one hundred percent”

Championship wise it’s just as tasty served sideways as the points are just as tightly spread. Aussie Jason Doyle recently launched himself to the top of the standings but is equal on points with Polish rookie sensation Patryk Dudek.

Poland who recently won the World Cup have a crop of hot young talent that are challenging the series’ more experienced riders such as reigning World Champion Greg Hancock, Chris Holder and previous championship leader Freddie Lindgren who has been on fire this year. No one knows which way the pendulum will swing next but I highly encourage you to join is in Cardiff to find out.

Tai said, “From Cardiff onwards you’ll start to see a divide in the championship, you”ll see a top half and a bottom half, but the championship is very open. We’re nearly half-way there and there’s a lot to play for.”

If the racing action alone isn’t enough to sway you then there’s so much else happening around the grand prix to tick all boxes with fireworks, Monster Energy rig riots, signing sessions and more.

If all else fails, then it’s live on BT Sport 2 from 16:30 on Saturday.

Check out; http://www.speedwaygp.com for tickets and event info.