## Polonia Bydgoszcz Polonia Bydgoszcz (also known as Abramczyk Polonia Bydgoszcz) is a professional speedway club based in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Founded on 14 May 1920 as the Polish Sports Club "Polonia", it is one of the most successful clubs in Polish speedway history, having won the Polish Championship seven times. The club's history is complex, involving periods of dissolution and re-establishment, particularly during and after World War II. ### History #### Pre-war and Post-war Origins The club was established in 1920, predating World War II. By 1939, it had not yet established a speedway section. The first speedway section was formed on 22 May 1946 under the Bydgoszcz Sports Club "Polonia", evolving from the pre-war KMB (Motorcycle Club) Bydgoszcz. This section quickly gained prominence, with local rider Jan Witkowski becoming Polish champion in 1935. After the war, the club faced challenges due to political changes, leading to its dissolution in February 1949 under a government decree. The speedway section and its assets were transferred to the "Gwardia" sports association. #### Re-establishment and Military Era On 24 May 1957, the club was re-established as the Military Sports Club "Polonia", continuing under the red, white, and blue colors. It operated as a military club until 1990. Despite the name change from "Gwardia" in 1957, the club retained its historical ties. The club's resilience is evident in its continued participation in speedway, even during periods of instability. #### Modern Era In 2003, the club was reformed as Bydgoszcz Women's Speedway Club "Polonia", entering the Polish Second League (II liga) from 2004 to 2006. After the establishment of the Polish Second League (PZL) in 2007, the club was required to operate as a joint-stock company to compete in the top division. This led to the creation of Żużlowy Klub Sportowy "Polonia Bydgoszcz" S.A. in 2006, which has competed in the Elite League (Ekstraliga) since 2007. ### Key Achievements Polonia Bydgoszcz has a storied history in Polish speedway, with numerous titles and notable performances: #### National Championships - **Drużynowe mistrzostwa Polski**: 7 titles (1955, 1971, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002) - **Drużynowe mistrzostwa juniorów**: 3 titles (1989, 2011, 2025) - **Drużynowe mistrzostwa par klubowych**: 11 titles (1974, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002) - **Indywidualne mistrzostwa Polski**: 9 titles (1947, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002) #### Other Honors - **Puchar PZM**: 1 title (1962) - **Złoty Kask**: 10 titles (1981, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) - **Srebrny Kask**: 6 titles (1984, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 2007) - **Brązowy Kask**: 3 titles (1984, 2002, 2023) #### International Success - **Mistrzostwa świata**: 4 titles (1961, 1969, 1996, 2005) - **Mistrzostwa juniorów świata**: 5 titles (2005, 2006, 2022, 2023) - **Mistrzostwa Europy**: 1 title (2023) ### Notable Figures Key figures in the club's history include: - **Zygmunt Śmigiel** (1935 Polish champion) - **Tomasz Gollob** (multiple Polish and world champion) - **Zbigniew Raniszewski** (pre-war and post-war rider) - **Bolesław Bonin** (1955 champion) ### Legends and Myths Legends surrounding the club include the resilience of its riders during the post-war era and the mysterious circumstances of its re-establishment. The club's ability to survive political upheavals and maintain its identity is a recurring theme in its history. ### Current Status As of 2025, Polonia Bydgoszcz competes in the Elite League (Ekstraliga) as a joint-stock company, continuing its legacy as one of Poland's most iconic speedway clubs. ## Poszczególne sezony ### 1. Sezony 1951-1991 During this period, the club participated in various leagues, including the second division and military leagues, with notable performances in the 1950s and 1990s. ### 2. Osiągnięcia Detailed records of championships, individual awards, and international successes are documented in the club's history. ### 3. Zawodnicy The current squad includes riders like Wiktor Przyjemski and Emil Maroszek, continuing the club's tradition of producing top talent. ### 4. Derby Pomorza The club's rivalry with Toruń-based teams is a significant part of its local identity, with historical matches dating back decades. ### 5. Uwagi The club's history is marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the broader socio-political changes in Poland. ### 6. Przypisy Sources include historical records from speedway.pl and other sports archives. ### 7. Bibliografia Key references include "Historia speedway'a w Polsce" by speedwayw.pl.