Experience the Thrill of Speedway Racing
- Damian Hall
- Jun 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 24
Until recently, I knew little about the high-octane world of speedway racing. Thanks to Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, I was granted access to one of the most thrilling motorsports. From the pits to the stands and even on the bike itself, I experienced first-hand what makes this sport unique. I discovered why more people should be watching, attending, and investing in its future.
The Rich History of Speedway Racing
Speedway racing has a rich history that stretches back over 90 years. Its roots are firmly planted in the UK and Australia. Today, it's most popular in countries like Poland, Sweden, Denmark, and Great Britain. Passionate fanbases are also emerging in North America.
My journey into the sport began with an introduction to six-time world champion Tony Rickardsson. He coached me through the basics. Under his guidance, I got the opportunity to ride a GP bike. This experience left me with a profound respect for the skill, courage, and discipline the sport requires. Controlling a 500cc machine with no brakes on a shale oval is no small feat.
Rickardsson succinctly stated, “It’s different from any kind of riding you’ve done.” This sentence encapsulated my experience perfectly. Speedway demands a blend of control, bravery, and instinct that I had never encountered before.
The Atmosphere at the National Speedway Stadium
The event took place at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, home to the legendary Belle Vue Aces. Speedway has deep roots in Manchester, with the first race held there in 1928. The current venue, built in 2016, is now considered one of the top speedway circuits in the world.
On the night I attended, the stadium was sold out. The atmosphere was electric, with fans rallying to support local Manchester hero Dan Bewley. At just 25 years old, Bewley made history by becoming the first-ever Manchester Grand Prix winner. He has raced for Belle Vue since 2016, gaining a strong and loyal following. That night, the roar from the stands proved this.
The energy in the crowd wasn’t limited to homegrown talent. You could feel the love and appreciation for every rider on the grid. There was vocal support not just for the Brits, but also for international stars like Poland’s Bartosz Zmarzlik. It was a celebration of the sport, its diversity, and the shared admiration for rider bravery.
Social media buzzed during and after the event, with fans showering praise on the spectacle. Instagram user @k9xke summarized it perfectly: “The best GP ever.”
Legendary Figures in Attendance
Also present was John McGuinness, the Isle of Man TT legend known for his fearless road racing career. His multiple TT victories have earned him respect in the motorsport community. British Superbike rider Dan Linfoot was also there and took the chance to ride one of the GP bikes. He described it as “an incredible experience,” filled with “great emotions, great feeling, and good sensations.”
The experience extended beyond the racing. I had access to the pits and the hospitality lounge before heading into the stands to watch the show unfold alongside die-hard fans. I met riders, including Zmarzlik himself, just before he took to the track. He went on to deliver a dominant win. Seeing the calm preparation in the paddock, followed by explosive race action, gave me a true sense of the sport's intensity.
Understanding the Racing Format
Speedway events follow a tight, rapid-fire format. Riders participate in a series of heats, each featuring four contestants over four laps. Points are awarded based on finishing positions, with the top scorers moving on to the semi-finals and eventually the final. There's a 90-second rule for riders to reach the start line after their heat is called, keeping the action continuous with very little downtime.
Each race begins with a spectacle that borders on ritual. Riders bring their bikes out and study the ground, digging for grip in specific spots. Their eyes are fixated on the start mechanism, waiting for the moment the tape lifts. The marshal steps in, arms outstretched in a dramatic gesture that feels almost theatrical. He signals that everything is set. Then, just like that, they launch into a battle of speed and strategy.
It’s a spectacle that captivates the crowd. Pyrotechnics, thunderous soundtracks, giant LED screens, and a full stadium view from any seat ensure constant engagement. Unlike many motorsports where track size or screen coverage limits visibility, in speedway, you see everything: every drift, divebomb, near miss, and race-winning move.
The Unique Team Structure in Speedway
Speedway’s team structure is another distinctive trait. Unlike F1 or MotoGP, teams aren’t owned by manufacturers. Riders are effectively self-employed and race under individuals or club banners. They maintain their own equipment and often assemble personal teams. This independence nurtures passionate, sometimes international fanbases who follow riders globally. Clubs represent specific towns or regions, creating a deep sense of identity and pride with every race.
Warner Bros. Discovery Sports plays a vital role in bringing the sport back into the mainstream. With global broadcasting rights secured through 2031, their involvement extends far beyond the cameras. They’ve implemented a robust environmental management system across FIM Speedway events, aiming to measure and reduce the sport's environmental impact. Speedway bikes run on pure methanol, a clean-burning fuel that significantly lowers harmful emissions compared to traditional fuels.
Through their ‘WBD Sports Together’ initiative, a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion, and education powers their vision for a more responsible motorsport industry.
Youth Development and the Future of Speedway
Youth development is a cornerstone of this vision. The FIM SGP Academy, launched in Prague in May 2024, provides young riders with both on-track and off-track training. It teaches racing techniques while instilling core values like sportsmanship, environmental awareness, and media education. The program has expanded to include training in Australia and Europe, with upcoming sessions in Sweden and Poland.
With instruction from Rickardsson, Max Fricke, and others, these academies ensure that the next generation of riders enters the sport well-rounded and ready. The events are non-competitive, offering families a fun, pressure-free way to grow within the speedway community.
At the grassroots level, initiatives like the SGP-4 category and the FIM SGP Academy shape the sport's future. SGP-4 offers structured racing for riders aged 11 to 13. For teenagers and young adults already riding off-road, local speedway tracks are a much-needed positive outlet. They provide a place to develop skills, connect with others, and channel their passion into something structured.
In regions like Barbados, which joined the FIM North America region in 2022, speedway has room to grow. There's a rising motorsport culture, and with proper support, speedway could offer both sporting opportunities and community value.
As Rickardsson emphasized, “Even at the lower levels, riders make a living from what they’re paid. At the highest level, the best can earn around two million euros a year.” The path is clear, and it’s not just reserved for the elite.
Whether you're in the UK or the Caribbean, speedway is a sport with real heart, built on authentic stories. It’s fast, fearless, and completely unforgettable. If you’ve never been to a speedway event, start by watching it on TNT Sports or stream it on Warner Bros. Discovery’s platforms: Max, HBO Max, or discovery+. Also, check where your nearest speedway club is and experience it live. Speedway deserves your attention and your support. The bikes may not have brakes, but the momentum behind the sport should never slow down.
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