Drift Masters - PGE Narodowy (Warsaw)
11 - 12 Sep
Completed
PGE Narodowy
Track Info
PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland
Temporary motorcycle speedway track inside Poland's national stadium - known for enormous crowds, short races and an intense indoor atmosphere
When was the venue built?
PGE Narodowy is a multi-purpose stadium rather than a permanent racing circuit. Construction began in 2008, and the completed arena officially opened in January 2012 before hosting matches during that year's European football championship.
The stadium has a retractable inner roof and more than 58,000 seats. Its large floor can be converted for concerts, exhibitions and motorsport events.
When did racing begin?
The first Warsaw round of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix was held here on 18 April 2015. Slovenian rider Matej Žagar won the meeting, beginning the stadium's association with World Championship speedway.
The event developed into Poland's largest annual speedway spectacle. Tai Woffinden became the first rider to win twice in Warsaw, taking victories in 2016 and 2018.
What's the track like?
- Completely temporary: Protective layers, barriers and thousands of tonnes of prepared material are installed over the stadium floor before racing.
- Short and tight: The approximately 270 m oval has brief straights and closely connected bends, so riders have little time to recover from a poor start.
- Changing surface: The loose top layer moves as races continue. Riders must find whichever inside, middle or outside line currently offers the most grip.
- Enclosed atmosphere: The roof and steep seating bowl amplify the sound while keeping the entire track visible to most spectators.
How does speedway work?
- Four riders: Each race normally contains four motorcycles competing over four laps.
- Very short races: A heat lasts approximately one minute, making the start and first corner especially important.
- Simple scoring: The winner receives three points, followed by two for second, one for third and zero for fourth.
- No brakes: The lightweight 500 cc motorcycles have one gear and no conventional brakes. Riders slow by turning the rear wheel sideways through the bends.
Major events and moments
- Speedway Grand Prix: Sixteen leading individual riders compete through qualifying heats, semi-finals and a final.
- Polish support: Huge red-and-white displays and a loud national anthem ceremony have become important parts of the Warsaw event.
- World Cup Final: PGE Narodowy was selected to host the 2026 international team final, bringing four national squads to Warsaw.
- No permanent record: Track dimensions and surfaces can change between editions, so race times are not directly comparable across every year.
Why go?
PGE Narodowy offers speedway on a scale rarely seen elsewhere. More than 50,000 spectators surround a compact oval, and almost every seat provides a view of the complete race.
The basic format is also easy for newcomers to understand. Four riders start together, complete four laps and race for the finishing order, with a new heat beginning shortly afterwards.
Where's the best place to watch?
- High central seats: Best for seeing the entire oval, watching racing lines develop and following the overall competition.
- Near the starting straight: Good for the starting procedure, first acceleration and finishes decided at the line.
- First and second bends: Best for the crowded opening corner, overtaking attempts and riders searching for grip.
- Lower seating: Provides the strongest sense of speed, engine noise and loose surface being thrown from the motorcycles.
PGE Narodowy does not contain a permanent motorsport track. Its oval, spectator entrances and restricted areas are created for individual events and may change each year, so check the official event information before travelling.