BENFIELD SPORTS INTERNATIONAL (BSI), rights holders of the Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) Series today announced that from 2003 the Danish Speedway Grand Prix will be held at PARKEN, Copenhagen.

The 41,640 capacity stadium will host its inaugural FIM Danish Grand Prix on Saturday, June 28, 2003.

John Postlethwaite, Chief Executive, BSI, who was instrumental in moving the world championship round to Denmark’s national stadium commented:

‘It has been an integral part of our strategy since we bought the SGP rights in 1999 for the Series to be staged at international stadiums world wide. PARKEN has been a venue that we have been interested in adding to the calendar for some time and I am delighted that we have now agreed a three year contract with PARKEN Sport & Entertainment to host the FIM Danish Speedway Grand Prix.

‘The GP’s are now shown on television in over 100 countries, with Danmarks Radio showing highlights and DK4 broadcasting the event live. And we are determined to increase the world-wide appeal and awareness of the SGP Series.’

Flemming Østergaard, Chairman of PARKEN Sport & Entertainment said:

‘Our ambition is to continue to attract world class events to PARKEN, and we are delighted to have drawn such a big international sports event as the SGP Series to Copenhagen. The Speedway Grand Prix is an exciting event for spectators and Denmark has such proud traditions in the sport. I am convinced that it will be another fantastic night in PARKEN.’

Former World Champion and current SGP Race Director Ole Olsen said: ‘Since my riding days back in the 1970’s it has always been my ambition to have a world championship speedway event at a major stadium in my home country and PARKEN fits the bill perfectly.

‘Following Denmark’s silver medal in the Speedway World Cup and Nicki Pedersen’s super win at the last GP round in Poland, speedway is going through a revival here. There are a number of exciting youngsters, including Bjarne Pedersen who has already qualified for the 2003 Series, making Danish speedway a force to be reckoned with. This success, combined with the move to PARKEN assures the future of world class speedway in Denmark.’

For more details contact:

NICOLA SANDS / MEDIA MANAGER
AT BENFIELD SPORTS INTERNATIONAL ON + 44 (0)7776 188 145