Industry Racing will host the inaugural Monster Energy World Speedway Invitational at The Grand Arena in the City of Industry in Southern California on Saturday, December 29, with some of the world’s best speedway racers scheduled to compete, according to a release issued by Monster Energy.
In total, 16 riders will be invited for an international showdown between the best riders in America and the best from the Monster Energy FIM Speedway Grand Prix.
Foremost of the Monster Energy FIM Speedway GP riders who will make the transatlantic flight to America include California-born Greg Hancock, the 2011 FIM Speedway World Champion and third-place finisher in the 2012 title fight; two-time Grand Prix winner in ’12, Antonio Lindback of Sweden; as well as GP winners Freddie Lindgren of Sweden and Tomasz Gollob of Poland.
“Speedway is experiencing a resurgence in the U.S.,” said Industry Racing Track Director Kelly Inman in the release. “The significance of this event for speedway racing in this country is incredible as these are the best riders in the world. This is a one-of-a-kind chance for fans to be introduced to a new caliber and level of racing like they’ve never seen before. The same can be said for the American competitors, who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to race against their European counterparts.”
In addition to the GP riders who have been invited, the American contingent will include recently crowned U.S. National Speedway Champion Billy Hamill, who won a World Championship of his own back in 1996, and four-time National Champion Billy Janniro.
“To invite a number of the world’s best speedway riders – many who won GPs in the 2012 Monster Energy FIM Speedway GP series – to the United States and have them line-up against a host of highly competitive racers from America is unprecedented,” said Bruce Stjernstrom, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy. “Speedway racing is really a global sport, with its largest fan base residing throughout Europe. However, the sport’s roots are very rich in Southern California, as well, which is why we made the decision to hold such a prestigious event here.”
The Monster Energy World Speedway Invitational will utilize the GP format that consists of 23 total races, including 20 heats, a pair of semis and, of course, the main event. In the end, one rider will stand above the rest. Junior Speedway racing is also scheduled, showcasing the future stars of the sport in America.
Presale tickets for the inaugural Monster Energy World Speedway Invitational will be available for purchase from December 1 through December 22 by visiting the event website at www.IndustryRacing.com. Tickets are priced at $18 and $10 for Juniors and Seniors. Tickets purchased the day of the event will be an additional $5. All kids under 12 are free with adult admission. Parking is $5 with motorcycle parking free of charge. The event will run rain or shine as The Grand Arena has a roof.
