PRESS RELEASE September 18, 2023

GOTLAND GRAND NATIONAL SEEKS NEW VENUE FOR FUTURE RACES

The world’s largest enduro competition, the Gotland Grand National (GGN), is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year at the Tofta firing range with the biggest event ever. However, the current global situation and the Swedish Armed Forces’ expanding operations mean that the organizer now needs to find a new location for future GGN events.

This year's competition will be held in Tofta, just as it has been for the past 39 years.

The Gotland Grand National (GGN) enduro race was launched in 1984 by FMCK and GMF Bysarna, with significant assistance from, among others, officers in the Gotland regiments of the time. Over time, the race has grown into a major event in motorsports and is also by far the biggest draw for visitors to Gotland outside the summer season.
The Swedish Fortifications Agency grants permission to use the land each year, but only after the tenant—the Swedish Armed Forces—has given its consent. The uncertain global situation, which has led to a sharp increase in military activity at Gotland’s only firing range, has caused the Swedish Armed Forces to now put the brakes on the event.

“For a while, things looked bleak for this year’s competition as well, but through constructive dialogue with P 18, we were able to find a solution that works for both parties. However, it’s clear that we must immediately begin the search for a new competition venue,” says Conny Bohlin, CEO of the organizer Nordic Sport Event.

Last week, Nordic Sport Event held a meeting with members of Region Gotland’s senior management and representatives of the county administrative board to highlight the need for an expedited process.

– GGN has overcome difficult challenges in the past, but this poses a threat to the future of the competition. We appeal to the entire island of Gotland—government agencies, community organizations, and the business community—to help us keep GGN on Gotland.

"We're very hopeful, but time is of the essence! Finding new land and building new infrastructure in 13 months is a major challenge, and we'll need all the help we can get from both government agencies and the business community," says Conny Bohlin.

The Swedish Armed Forces regret the situation but have made it clear that GGN must leave Tofta.

– The Tofta firing range is absolutely essential for the Swedish Armed Forces to carry out their mission of ensuring peace and security in Sweden in an increasingly uncertain world. “We are significantly expanding conscript training on Gotland, while also hosting professional soldiers, visiting mainland units, and likely an increasing number of visiting NATO units,” says Tomas Ängshammar, communications director at the Gotland Regiment.

– GGN is close to our hearts here at P 18, and we hope the organizer can quickly secure a new site. We know what GGN means to Gotland, but the Swedish Armed Forces’ mission is to build defense capabilities.

For more information or questions, please contact:
Conny Bohlin
CEO, Nordic Sport & Event
0708 – 249494

Tomas Ängshammar
Swedish Armed Forces, Gotland
076 – 1171954

FACTS ABOUT THE GOTLAND GRAND NATIONAL
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Over 3,000 from 15 countries (ages 5–75)
NUMBER OF REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2023: 3,197 compared to 3,049 at the same time in 2022. 209 women compared to 182.
VISITOR NIGHTS: 28 ,000 (number of nights GGN generates during the week)
REVENUE FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY: 100 ,000,000 SEK/year (travel, lodging, dining, and shopping)
REVENUE FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: 800 ,000 SEK/year (the total amount community organizations raise thanks to GGN)
SVT SPORT VIEWERS: 800 ,000 (over 5 hours of live broadcasts)