After the shale had finally settled on the hosting of the 2023 FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain, what was the word on the street? Pre and post event social media was alive with gregarious gossip engaging with all aspects of the premier domestic event, from attendance, suitability of the venue, the track, potential victors, to all points in between. In trying to pull some of these issues together, my Cardiff experience can be expressed by one word: conversation – firstly, with the British contingent of GP stars, and the pre-meeting thoughts of some fans; concluding with the candid reflections of both regulars and newbies to the sport.
As the major TV companies jostled for the key technical interviews during the always lively press conference on the Friday, I took it upon myself to bring a sense of calm to proceedings by asking our GB warriors a variety of more down to earth questions that I believed would spike more curiosity among fans!
First up was wild card Steve Worrall who summed up his feelings as pretty mixed: “Excited and nervous. When I started off as a kid, if anyone asked me what I wanted to achieve it was simple – to become World Champion and race in the GPs; the pinnacle of the sport ─ and here I am. A dream come true!”
Keeping with childhood memories I was curious to discover what his best ever Christmas present was. A grinning Steve was in no doubt, “When I was seven, we moved home to a house with a huge garage. On Christmas Day, my brother and I were given letters with a set of instructions to follow that led to the garage. Inside were two 65s, our first geared bikes. That still sticks in my mind!” Robert Lambert’s reflection wasn’t dissimilar, “My third Christmas, when I got my first motorbike – a PW50.” As for Tai Woffinden, let’s just say that if I’d had a mug of tea in my hand, I would have spat it out in astonishment!
The big question ─ Coronation Street or Eastenders? Steve Worrall was adamant: “Coronation Street.” This dynamic piece of journalism encouraged Dan Bewley to reminisce: “I don’t watch much TV, but I used to watch Emmerdale with my grandma.”
I was keen to establish what was the naffest question that had ever been asked by other folk in my trade ─ quickly clarifying that it couldn’t be this particular poser. Tai was ruthless, “The most naff question I get asked is why did I finish last? That really annoys me. I’m a human being – it isn’t rocket science!” Dan was less scathing, “Questions that make me feel that we haven’t been to the same meeting! You may have had a pretty good one and someone says, looks like you were struggling today!” Robert’s opinion was similar, “When I’m asked, ‘what’s up with your performance?’ I’m trying to figure it out too, and to ask that question straight after isn’t the best.”
Approaching lunchtime, food was on my mind, and the clincher that captivated me was what was the favourite fast-food chain and number one order? There was no mistaking Tai’s fab food, “Five Guys: cheeseburger with jalapenos and hot sauce.” Robert weighed in with Wagamama’s firecracker chicken, whilst Dan kept his gourmet options open, “Greggs. Either a bacon and omelette roll with a flat white, or a grilled Mexican chicken sandwich and a cup of tea.” Dan added that he wasn’t sponsored by Greggs!
The GB guys were unanimous: Cardiff is all about that special buzz and is still the one to win. This venue is the choice of champions.
A track walk facilitated by FIM Race Director, Phil Morris, reinforced the fact that the ingenious engineering was totally in tune with the creation of a temporary track so close to the heart of a major vibrant city. I was left in no doubt that this was the best fit in the whole of the UK.
Catching up with Phil after an illuminating lap I asked how he was feeling: “A little drained at this point. There has been a lot of work in advance, but as soon as the adrenaline kicks in – in about half an hour – it will be all systems go and I’ll be back on the roof again!” And how would he sum up the event in three words? The beaming Welshman was resounding: “Excitement, gladiatorial and unpredictable.”
But did he have any embarrassing GP moments? He certainly did! “Anders Thomsen asked me if he could ride round naked if he won a GP. Standing on the podium (Gorzów, 2022) he nodded at me, and our eyes met,” Phil then momentarily paused as an eavesdropping Leon Madsen dissolved into a fit of uncontrollable giggles, before acknowledging that this all sounded rather romantic. He continued, “I spoke to the Warner Bros Discovery Sports team and suggested that it would be great PR, as long as he kept his pants on. They agreed and his lap of honour was the biggest social media engagement on Eurosport!”
And finally, what’s his most naff question? “I’ve just been asked one – what did you have for breakfast this morning? I don’t have breakfast!”
Taking to the streets I was keen to add the fans’ perspective as they counted down the hours, whilst enjoying the sun and soaking up the city vibe. Could it be summed up in a sentence, what could make the event even more popular, and who was the smart money on to win the British GP?
Newbie Phil, from a Plymouth contingent, excitedly declared: “Unbelievable experience!” Fellow Gladiator, Jordan, was celebrating her fifth British GP and simply added, “Cheaper tickets.”
Poole fan Russell (left), celebrating his umpteenth home GP, was still as enthusiastic as ever: “A once in a lifetime event!” Adding that better promotion within the UK would likely lead to more fans through the turnstiles.
Leicester Lions supporter Adam (right), has attended twelve previous Cardiff finals and was adamant: “The whole atmosphere is the reason we come, and I wouldn’t change a thing, other than maybe make the beer cheaper!” Pondering how better it could be promoted, he believes that TV advertising would open it up to a much bigger untapped market.
A cohort of confident Dan Bewley fans were still as excited as the first time they came, but made an astute observation, “The event has to be more socially inclusive, and the promotion needs to think more outside the box to attract fans from diverse backgrounds.”
Ipswich Witches fan Keith (left) has been a regular since it all started way back in 2001 and is still as enthusiastic, “The atmosphere, the whole weekend, meeting up with other speedway people from across the world – it’s just an awesome event!” His rallying call to increase the attendance was straightforward: “Lower the hotel and ticket prices and more people will come.”
The policing viewpoint was sincere: “There is a great vibe in the crowd making our life much easier.”
Oxford Cheetahs fans Felicity (left), and sister Emma, were here for the second time and both agreed that it was the atmosphere of the whole weekend that pulled them back trackside.
Without a doubt the pre-meeting fans favourite was Dan the man, with me placing a tenner on Robert Lambert. Perhaps we should all have reflected on the wise words of Phil Morris as the unpredictability factor was the victor: congratulations Martin Vaculik!
A few days after the event I covered the last base and followed up with a group of spectators who had mulled over the experience.
Birmingham Brummies supporter Lisa had celebrated a decade of Cardiff weekends and her feedback was emphatic: “The SGP is one of the highlights of my year. The atmosphere is electric and it’s so much fun for all ages.” Having been a regular at the Arenacross in Birmingham her suggested win was to advertise on the big screens to other motorsport fans.
Tina – missing her beloved Swindon Robins – who has never missed a final, summed it up as, “The yearly pinnacle of the speedway calendar.” The seasoned GP observer was less than complimentary about the side show: “Sort out the pre-meeting entertainment which is poor compared to the early days, and don’t bother with the fireworks if they are going to be the embarrassment they were this year.”
GP newcomer Paula, and recent convert to the Cheetah’s experience at Cowley, was still bubbling: “A fabulous, thrilling, action-packed family night out!” Her suggested improvements were twofold. Firstly, she observed, “I thought it was brilliantly organised. The staff were friendly and helpful. It moved along at pace ─ no hanging around between heats. The sound system in terms of commentary and announcements was difficult to hear/understand at times with some echo going on. If anything, that could be improved.” Secondly, “It seems the profile of speedway in general is very low. Clearly it was big in Cardiff, but nationally, not so much. Getting into schools and other places to target younger people may be useful.” Concluding her review she added, “Incidentally I spoke to three separate people at work today who all said the same thing. There used to be a track in Oxford, but it closed down. None of them were aware it is up and running again, and they all live in Oxfordshire.”
So where does the flagship event go from here? The 2024 Cardiff fix will take place on Saturday 17th August, and, in my humble opinion, The Principality still stands head and shoulders above any other UK venue. A successful Cardiff GP can only be good for every British club, but the messaging needs an overhaul. And who best to support this process? The fans themselves. Time – I suggest – for an organised fans counsel who’s only ambition is to support our marvellous sport.
© Ian Kirke 2023 & all photographs
@ianjkirke