Up to 150 trucks piled high with shale have found their way to the Millennium Stadium this week in the final countdown to the 10thconsecutive FIM British Speedway Grand Prix at the stadium on Saturday, 10 July.
Cardiff’s multi-event arena will once again have been transformed into a world class racing track in just five days before 16 of the best riders in the world, including Britain’s Chris Harris and young gun Tai Woffinden, roar their 500cc bikes into town.
Three thousand tons of shale will create a giant track under the direction of former three times world champion Ole Olsen, in time for the final practice tomorrow afternoon, ahead of the weekend’s world championship with speeds of over 70mph – with no brakes or gears – in the bowl at the famous home of Welsh rugby.
“It’s amazing to see the stadium when the track is laid and ready for action,” said Paul Bellamy, Managing Director of event promoters BSI Speedway.
“It looks like a completely different stadium to where the rugby is played. You can almost believe that the stadium has been built up around the track.”
“We have been coming here for 10 years now and in that time the team have worked hard to improve the fans’ experience every year. For example this year we have a Fanzone in St Mary’s street for the first time, to be a focal point for the huge number of visitors to the city. We also have great displays from the Royal Navy and top class entertainment prior to the Grand Prix in the stadium.
“If there are people in Cardiff who’ve not been before, I would recommend that they come and see what a great show it is.”
The biggest event on the Speedway calendar was first held at the multi-event arena in front of over 30,000 fans in June 2001 and has grown year on year with over 40,000 fans expected to race through the gates this weekend.
At the Millennium Stadium’s Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar, fans will be boosted by the special ‘Speedway Menu’ launched this weekend to commemorate 10 years of the Grand Prix in Cardiff.
The cafe, above the WRU Store at No 8 Westgate Street, which is also open for ticket sales and collections, will serve a variety of dishes such as ‘The Bikers Brekkie’ priced at £5 for 2 eggs, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, 2 hash browns, mushrooms and baked beans.
The ticket collection point in The Cardiff Arms will open on Friday at 11.00am until 5.30pm and on Saturday from 9.00am until 6.00pm.
Tickets will be on sale at The Cardiff Arms priced from £35 for adults and £17 for children between 9.00am and 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday.
