SGP2 world champion Nazar Parnitskyi makes history as Ukraine’s first-ever full-time FIM Speedway Grand Prix rider after being promoted into the 2026 starting line-up.
Parnitskyi was initially nominated as first substitute rider for the 2026 series, but steps into the starting 15 following triple Speedway GP world champion Tai Woffinden’s withdrawal from the series as he continues his recovery from the injuries that he suffered in Krosno, Poland in March 2025.
The fast-gating racer from Rivne claimed SGP2 silver in 2024, before winning last year’s FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship series, sealing it with a five-ride maximum at the final round in Vojens last September.
It was the biggest victory by a rider from Ukraine for nearly 40 years and his opportunity in Speedway GP is a beacon of light for a speedway nation suffering the impacts of the ongoing war with Russia.
Parnitskyi, who races for Polish club Leszno and FIM Speedway GP of Sweden – Malilla host team Dackarna, dons the No.785 race jacket as he takes on the best riders in the world.
His FIM Speedway season kicks off with a huge weekend, which sees him lead Ukraine into their first-ever FIM Speedway World Cup Semi-Final at German club Landshut on Friday, May 1, when they face Germany, Great Britain and Czech Republic.
He then makes his full-time SGP debut the following night in the WWK FIM Speedway GP of Germany – Landshut on Saturday, May 2.
Words and Images by SpeedwayGP
