ZMARZLIK EXTENDS LEJONEN STAY AS GISLAVED CLUB BIDS FOR 2023 FIM GP CHALLENGE

Swedish club Lejonen is set for a huge year in 2023 after confirming the return of triple world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik and applying to host the FIM GP Challenge.

Zmarzlik’s return comes as little surprise after he ended 2022 top of the Bauhaus Elitserien average charts once again on 2.677 points per race. 

He joins forces with local hero and 2022 FIM Speedway of Nations top scorer Oliver Berntzon in what’s already shaping up to be a stellar side.

And the big announcements keep coming for the Gislaved club after they revealed on their official website that they have lodged a bid to stage the FIM GP Challenge – the final round of the Speedway GP qualifiers for the 2024 FIM Speedway GP World Championship.

The top three riders would be guaranteed places in the 2024 series, with 16 riders competing over a straight 20 heats with no semi-finals or final – giving them five rides to potentially change their life.

Gislaved bosses revealed the event has been allocated to Sweden for next year and, after hosting a round of this year’s SGP2 FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship qualifiers, the Lions have one of the biggest meetings outside of Speedway GP in their sights for 2023.

Sports director Anders Frojd told the Lejonen official website: “We are proud to have been asked and it is recognition for our entire organisation and the work that has been done in recent years in developing both the facility, youth activities and the elite activities.

“Our fantastic officials, together with the board, sponsors and leaders in the association, work to constantly improve both the facility and the experience for our visitors. 

“It would be great fun to receive riders, media and supporters from several countries to organise a competition of this calibre. 

“We are keeping our fingers crossed that we can offer our supporters an extra treat in 2023 and our sponsors a nice window to be seen in.”

While a date is yet to be finalised for the FIM GP Challenge, Lejonen revealed August 19 has been pencilled in.

Elsewhere in Sweden, Piraterna have signed a two-year deal with Polish racer Oskar Fajfer.