Influence of the 2020 pandemic on speedway – managerial implication

Abstract

The season of the year 2020 was characterized by a number of difficulties and extraordinary organizational and management conditions for many sports disciplines. One of the disciplines most affected by the restrictions caused by the pandemic was motorcycle speedway. Suffice it to say that out of all European leagues, only the Polish league and the Swedish league completed the 2020 season. Moreover in both countries the games started with a long delay and were not preceded by typical preparatory activities for the season, such as sparring matches or individual tournaments. Focusing on Polish highest level league, the PGE Ekstraliga, the paper contains careful statistical and exploratory analysis of data sample encompassing seasons 2015 to 2020, aiming on discovery if and how season 2020 differed from previous ones. This analysis was carried out in the scope of three data sets with different levels of aggregation, concerning meetings, teams and heats of individual riders. The analysis covered the general performance of a whole sample o riders, performance and demographic structure of teams, and results of heat per rider, taking account rider’s nationality and age. The results of the analysis made it possible to identify changes in selected metrics describing the effectiveness of teams and players, probably caused by structural difference of 2020 season. This allows for the formulation of conclusions supporting the management of the teams and clubs in decision making process concerning team’s profile and riders and track preparation. Such conclusions can help coaches mitigate the impact of unfavorable external conditions on team quality and individual player preparation in similar circumstances in a future.