The world’s best speedway stars will take to a specially-laid track at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night as Melbourne suits up for another blockbuster weekend of sport.
More than 25,000 fans will gather under the roof as the world’s best riders contest the Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix, the largest indoor motor racing spectacle in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s made possible by a $20,000 Andrews Labor Government grant.
The Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix is an exciting culmination of the World Championship FIM Speedway Grand Prix series. It’s the world’s fastest riders at speeds of up to 110kmph.
We’re already home to the Formula 1 ® Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and a suite of V8 Supercars Championships events. From Phillip Island to under the Etihad Stadium roof, we have the best of motorsports.
Victoria is the sporting capital of the world, and it’s weekends like these that keep it that way. Our world-leading sporting precinct will burst to life on Sunday as our World Cup winning Diamonds take on their netball nemesis, New Zealand Silver Ferns at Hisense Arena. Just next door at AAMI Park, Melbourne City will go head to head with the Central Coast Mariners.
Victorian racegoers will meanwhile join visitors from all over Australia and the world at the 2015 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, as part of Victoria’s iconic Spring Racing Carnival, on Saturday. Our NBL league leaders, Melbourne United, will entertain the Cairns Taipans at Hisense Arena on Saturday night.
Victoria boasts a calendar of sporting events other cities can only dream of, and it’s a key reason why our visitor economy is so strong. More events mean a steady stream of visitors – and that means jobs, growth and a stronger state.
The Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget secured an additional $80 million for our major events war chest, so Victoria can continue to secure the biggest and best events.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“The world’s best Speedway stars under the Etihad Stadium roof will be quite a sight. With stadiums like ours, it’s no wonder such a great event wants to come to Victoria.”
“From the best Australian and international runners at Moonee Valley to our World Champion Diamonds, it’s once again an extravaganza weekend of sport in the sporting capital.”
“We boast a calendar of events that cities around Australia and the world can only dream of, and we’re working hard to grow it more and more.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020