2012 Speedway Grand Prix | |
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Season details | |
Dates | March 31 — October 6 |
Events | 12 |
Cities | 12 |
Countries | 8 |
Riders | 15 permanents 1 wild card(s) 2 track reserves |
Heats | 276 (in 12 events) |
Winners | |
Champion | AUS Chris Holder |
Runner-up | DEN Nicki Pedersen |
3rd place | USA Greg Hancock |
The 2012 Speedway Grand Prix season was the 18th season of the Speedway Grand Prix era, and decided the 67th Speedway World Championship. It was the twelfth series under the promotion of Benfield Sports International, an IMG company. The series began on 31 March in Auckland and finish on 6 October in Torun.
The Australian rider Chris Holder became World Champion, making him the youngest gold medalist since the start of the Speedway Grand Prix series in 1995. Nicki Pedersen returned to the World Championship podium finishing second, while the American veteran Greg Hancock won the bronze medal.
For the 2012 season there will be 15 permanent riders, joined at each Grand Prix by one wild card and two track reserves.
The top eight riders from the 2011 championship qualified as of right:
The top eight riders from the 2011 championship were joined by three riders who qualified via the Grand Prix Challenge.
The final four riders were nominated by series promoters, Benfield Sports International, following the completion of the 2011 season.