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The traditional Debrecen Grand Prix on the 20th of August will see representatives from eleven nations compete. 

The details were announced at a press conference held on the 16th of August 2023 by László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, Norbert Baráth, Managing Director of SpeedWolf Sportszervező Kft and Péter Szabó, Managing Director of Schaeffler FAG.

“Speedway motorcycling is one of the technical sports with a great tradition in Debrecen”, said Mayor of Debrecen László Papp. “If a competition can be kept alive for almost 50 years thanks to the support of competitors, fans and sponsors, then it is safe to say that the foundations of the sport are solid.”

László Papp pointed to the excellent cooperation with SpeedWolf Debrecen and underlined that the club is a good facility owner with a promising future. He also underlined that there are important sponsors for the sport of speedway motor racing, with Schaeffler FAG and BMW joining the sponsors this year.

With the transformation of the city’s economy, the sport of speedway motor racing will bring much joy to the citizens of Debrecen in even better conditions and with an even larger fan base.

László Papp added: the local government has undertaken to reward the Debrecen Grand Prix podium winners. In addition to the Herend porcelain, the city will provide HUF 1 million to the best winners. In addition, the city decided this week to give an extra HUF 10 million to SpeedWolf Debrecen for the development of the sport of speedway motor racing.

Norbert Baráth, Managing Director of Speedwolf Sportszervező Nonprofit Kft. said: Eleven nations’ riders from 13 countries will compete in the 48th Debrecen Grand Prix. Advance ticket sales indicate that interest in the race is higher than ever, and the Perényi Pál Stadium is expected to be a full house.

“Last year’s Grand Prix winner, Niels Kristian Iversen, five-time GP winner and four-time World Team Champion of Denmark, will be at the start. According to the odds, Iversen could be dethroned by several other drivers in Debrecen. One of the favourites is Antonio Lindback, nicknamed the Rio Rocket. The Swedish classic has won three GP Grand Prix titles and twice won the World Team Championship. Russian-born Vadim Tarasenko, who is also a Polish citizen, is a prospect for Debrecen, where he will be racing in the world’s strongest championship, PGE Ekstraliga. Apart from them, it is the talent of the up-and-coming generation that can push the big favourites,” Norbert Baráth said.

As for the additional programmes, he said it is worth arriving at the Perényi Pál Stadium at 2:30 p.m. to meet the riders face to face and get their autographs and watch the SpeedWolf Juniors’ motorcycle demonstration. The two great Debrecen legends, Zoltán Adorján and Sándor Tihanyi are preparing a unique surprise race for the carnival event.

Péter Szabó, Managing Director of Schaeffler FAG, the sponsor of the event, said that this is a significant event for the region, and it is a pleasure to be able to support such a traditional event. Obviously, the competition is developing year by year, which is why they support the event.

In addition to supporting the club and the competition, they also provide special sponsorship to one of the biggest talents, Zoltán Lovas. Péter Szabó added: the company will also provide tickets to this competition for interested employees, and a gift will be given to all guests at the entrance.

The first race of the 48th Debrecen Grand Prix will start at 4:15 p.m. on the 20th of August 2023. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit www.speedwolf.hu.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu