FIM SGP CARES TROPHY LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE SPEEDWAY IN 2023

The race for sustainability is on as Warner Bros. Discovery Sports launches the first-ever FIM SGP Cares trophy for both riders and local organisers in 2023.

As we celebrate Earth Day today, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports is preparing to crown its first FIM SGP Cares champions this season – as part of its commitment to deliver sustainable speedway and promote green and community initiatives throughout all FIM Speedway events.

There will be one award for riders and teams, who demonstrate their commitment to sustainability or environmental causes over the course of 2023 or who take part in community projects – perhaps raising money for a good cause or engaging in charity work.

There will also be a prize for FIM Speedway local organisers, with each venue set to be ranked as part of the FIM’s Environment Evaluation, which is carried out before each event. Other local actions will also be taken into consideration, including green, environmental, community and charity initiatives.

The winners in both categories will be honoured at the annual FIM Awards, which are set to take place in Liverpool, UK this year. Winners will also receive coverage of their actions on all FIM Speedway online channels.

Gautier de Stoppani, sustainability director for FIM Speedway GP, commented: “We cannot achieve our sustainability goals without the support of all our FIM Speedway stakeholders.

“In offering the FIM SGP Cares trophies, we hope this will inspire both riders and local organisers to work on ideas to deliver both sustainable speedway and initiatives that support the communities where we race.

“We will be inviting everyone to submit their ideas so that we can monitor each project throughout the season, and whoever carries off the trophies, every SGP Cares initiative put into practice will ensure our world and communities will be the ultimate winners.

“As a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action group, we have committed to reduce emissions across our championships by 50 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040.”

Warner Bros. Discovery Sports also commits to measuring and disclosing its annual carbon footprint and progress with reducing emissions, as well as submitting a plan as to how it will achieve its emission-reducing goals.

The group is working to obtain ISO 20121 certification, which guarantees that all FIM Speedway events are run with sustainability at their heart, with a minimal impact on the local environment and community, while strengthening relationships with all stakeholders. 

Warner Bros. Discovery Sports is also seeking B Corp certification – an award that verifies the organisation meets high standards in social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Speedway’s environmental impact is mitigated by the fact bikes run on pure methanol, a clean-burning fuel which delivers breathtaking performance.

Pure methanol is used in many different motorsport championships due to its increased thermal efficiency, low cost and low risk of flammability. The combustion of pure methanol does not produce nitrogen oxide or sulphur oxide emissions and has very low particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions compared to gasoline or diesel.

FIM Speedway also stands by its community across the globe. Speedway fans in Warsaw in 2022 delivered a glorious display of solidarity with their Ukrainian neighbours as tifos of the Polish and Ukrainian flags flew side-by-side in the PGE Narodowy stands during the Polish national anthem.

The tifos were unveiled and a crowd of over 52,000 fans joined the FIM Speedway family in calling for peace and standing with Ukraine.

In addition, more than 100 kids, both Polish and Ukrainian students in Polish state schools, were invited with their parents to attend a unique experience at the Orlen FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Warsaw in May 2022.

They were given a special behind-the-scenes tour, meeting the riders and enjoying VIP treatment, before watching the racing together, as part of a day to aid the integration of the Ukrainian children through the power of sport.

The full Corporate and Social Responsibility Report for 2022 can be viewed in full HERE.