Speedway may look like a niche dirt sport – but in Poland, it’s big business. Riders sign six- and seven-figure contracts, clubs operate with multi-million-dollar budgets, and packed stadiums turn every race into a local event.
It’s a world where riders can make millions… but they also spend a fortune to keep racing.
A sport that never stops
Speedway is one of the few motorsports where riders can compete in several leagues at once.
Poland’s PGE Ekstraliga runs on weekends, Britain’s Premiership on Mondays and Thursdays, Sweden’s Bauhaus-Ligan on Tuesdays, Denmark’s league on Wednesdays, and the Grand Prix series on Saturdays.
That means riders are constantly on the move – one day they’re teammates, the next they’re rivals. The more they race, the more they earn, and the more they have to reinvest.
Poland – the financial heart of speedway
Poland is the global center of the sport, with three professional leagues:
- PGE Ekstraliga (top level)
- Metalkas 2. Ekstraliga (second tier)
- Krajowa Liga Żużlowa (third tier)
Top-division club budgets reach $5-6 million per season (2024).
A full house in Wrocław can bring around $190,000 in ticket sales – before deducting match-day costs.
Many clubs rely on major sponsors and even local government funding, which helps make speedway one of the most organized motorsports in Europe.
Bartosz Zmarzlik – the million-dollar man
Poland’s biggest star, Bartosz Zmarzlik, is the face of modern speedway economics.
According to Interia.pl (2024), he earns $1.35-1.62 million from his club Motor Lublin, plus another $540,000 from his main sponsor.
Including his Swedish league contract and Grand Prix earnings, his total annual income can reach $2.7 million.
In 2025, Grand Prix payouts award about $17,700 for a race win and $5,100 for last place. Zmarzlik earned $136,000for his latest world title.
Back in 2023, he admitted spending nearly $540,000 a year just on bikes, engines, and team operations.
Points mean paydays
Speedway riders in Poland are paid per point – literally.
As WP SportoweFakty (2024) reported:
- Average base payment: $215,000 for season preparation
- Around $2,150 per point, with top riders earning up to $4,000 per point
- A great night (13 points) can mean over $50,000 in one evening
At least 40 riders in Poland earned more than $270,000 in 2024.
Even second-tier stars can cross the six-figure line – but payouts depend entirely on performance.
Big earnings, big expenses
High rewards come with high costs. According to RedBull.com (2024), a mid-level Polish rider spends roughly $270,000 per season – on engines, tires, mechanics, travel, and insurance.
Some top competitors invest far more: Zmarzlik’s own budget exceeds half a million dollars annually.
A newcomer joining the Polish league needs at least $100-150,000 to buy competitive bikes, spare parts, and a transport van.
Of course, not everyone spends $80,000 on mechanics – costs vary widely depending on experience and results.
The business behind the bikes
Club budgets in Poland reach $5-6 million, funded by sponsors, TV rights (Canal+), and city support. Local governments see speedway as regional promotion – and fans pack stadiums week after week.
That combination of private and public backing keeps the sport stable and the riders well-paid.
Final lap
In Poland, speedway isn’t a hobby – it’s a profession.
The top stars earn millions, mid-pack riders make solid incomes, and everyone races hard to stay on track.
The system rewards talent, consistency, and risk-taking – both on the bike and in business.
Because in this sport, before you can make money, you have to spend it.