2016 FIM Speedway Sidecar 1000cc World Cup - January 2016

January 14, 2016 by Gillman Media

Gillman Speedway Stadium has officially been granted the 2016 FIM Speedway Sidecar 1000cc World Cup.

Three years in the planning, the final FIM approval was given to Gillman Speedway Manager, David Parker, at Etihad Stadium during the recent Speedway Grand Prix.

“It has been a huge job by many people,” Parker said when announcing the news, “and I could not be more pleased for the Gillman staff, our loyal supporters, the competitors, and the sport in general.”

Proudly supported by long-time Gillman Speedway sponsor, Blackchrome Sportswear, the event will be part of a blockbuster Easter weekend, with the World Cup on the Saturday (26 March), followed the next night (Sunday, 27 March) by the opening round of the FIM Oceania Sidecar Championship. A second Oceania round will be held in Mildura the following weekend.

“This will the biggest Sidecar event in the World and the winners will be recognised as the World’s best.

“The exact rider line-up will not be confirmed for some time, but we already know riders will be coming from Britain, New Zealand and the USA to do battle with the Aussies.”

On hearing the news, Australian Champion Justin Plaisted said, “What a great thing for Sidecars, not just in Australia, but Worldwide. I can’t wait for March”.

Eight-time Australian Champion Darrin Treloar agreed, saying “It’s great what Dave and everyone at Gillman have achieved. We are going to have a fantastic venue that produces fantastic racing and I hope everyone supports this event. It will be the meeting of the year.”

More details will follow as the date gets closer but the excitement level is already high, especially after the recent Sailun Tyres South Australian Sidecar Championship, which Speedway Manager David Parker said “. . .was one of the best meetings I have seen for many years, with a very good crowd, so I will be surprised if we don’t get a record Sidecar crowd for the World Cup”.