What Is 2024 Speedway of Nations 2

Overview

The 2024 Speedway of Nations 2 is the secondary division of the FIM's Speedway of Nations competition, designed to give emerging speedway nations a platform to compete for promotion. Held annually, the event features national teams racing in a knockout format to earn a spot in the premier Speedway of Nations the following year.

The 2024 edition was particularly significant as it determined which team would rise to the top tier in 2025. Hosted at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, UK, the event brought together 12 countries aiming to showcase talent and strategic depth in motorcycle speedway racing.

• Sweden won the 2024 Speedway of Nations 2 title, defeating strong competition from Germany and the Czech Republic in the final rounds.
• The event spanned three days, from July 19 to July 21, 2024, with heats, semi-finals, and a final held each day.
• 12 national teams participated, including Argentina, Brazil, Finland, Germany, and the host nation Great Britain.
• Races were held at the National Speedway Stadium, a purpose-built venue in Manchester with a capacity of 5,000 spectators.
• The winning team earned promotion to the 2025 Speedway of Nations, replacing the lowest-ranked team from the 2024 top division.

How It Works

The Speedway of Nations 2 operates as a structured international competition with strict qualification and racing rules to ensure fairness and competitiveness. Each nation fields a team of three riders who compete in a series of heats to accumulate points.

• Team Composition: Each national team consists of three active riders and one reserve. Riders must hold valid national licenses and be approved by their national federation.
• Event Format: The competition uses a knockout bracket system with quarterfinals, semi-finals, and a final, all held over three days.
• Scoring System: Points are awarded per heat, with 3 points for a win, 2 for second, 1 for third, and 0 for fourth, contributing to the team total.
• Qualification: Teams qualify based on 2023 rankings or through regional qualifiers if spots are available due to withdrawals.
• Track Specifications: The track is a 300-meter oval with loose shale surface, typical of speedway racing, located indoors at the Manchester venue.
• Time Limits: Each heat lasts four laps, with races typically completed in under two minutes, demanding high-speed precision and tactical awareness.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2024 Speedway of Nations 2 with its top-tier counterpart, the Speedway of Nations 1, highlighting key structural and competitive differences.

The comparison shows that while both events follow similar racing formats, the Nations 2 emphasizes development and opportunity, whereas Nations 1 focuses on elite competition. The scheduling allows both events to occur in the same month without overlap, maximizing global viewership and team participation.

Why It Matters

The 2024 Speedway of Nations 2 plays a crucial role in the global development of speedway racing, offering emerging nations a structured path to international recognition. Its impact extends beyond sport, influencing national pride, youth engagement, and motorsport investment.

• Sweden’s victory boosts national interest in speedway, potentially increasing youth participation and sponsor interest in grassroots programs.
• The event provides exposure for smaller nations like Argentina and Brazil, helping grow the sport in non-traditional markets.
• Relegation and promotion systems ensure competitive balance, keeping both Nations 1 and 2 dynamic and unpredictable.
• Hosting in Manchester strengthens the UK’s role as a speedway hub, supporting local economies and event infrastructure.
• Live broadcasts on FIM TV and regional networks reach over 30 countries, expanding the sport’s global footprint.
• The competition serves as a talent pipeline for individual Speedway Grand Prix events, with standout riders often scouted for professional contracts.

As the sport evolves, the Speedway of Nations 2 remains a vital component of international speedway, bridging regional talent with world-class competition and ensuring long-term growth.