Tickets for the much-anticipated, season-opening New Zealand FIM Speedway Grand Prix at Aucklands picturesque Western Springs stadium on March 23 are now on sale.

World champion Chris Holder will launch his title defence in the land of the long white cloud, where he is expected to be roared on by a partisan Kiwi crowd, backed up by the army of Aussies who are expected to make the trip across the Tasman Sea.

Aussie international Darcy Ward from Queensland also makes his full-time SGP debut in the meeting after being awarded a permanent World Championship berth for the 2013 season.

But the pair face some stiff competition to top the rostrum from last years NZ SGP winner Greg Hancock. The American legend has won the only two Grand Prix rounds staged outside of Europe in Sydney in 2002 and Auckland last March.

The likes of triple world champion Nicki Pedersen, who was third last year, and 2010 world champion Tomasz Gollob will also fancy their chances of starting the season in style in the Southern Hemisphere.

Tickets are priced at 60 NZD for adults and 30 NZD for children and grandstand seats cost 120 NZD.

BSI Speedway managing director Paul Bellamy is determined to build on the success of last years inaugural New Zealand SGP and cannot wait to see the sports biggest stars back in Auckland.

He said: Taking the FIM Speedway Grand Prix series outside of Europe again was a huge goal for us and we are delighted to have achieved it with the help of Bill Buckley and his team at Western Springs last year.

The response was fantastic with fans flocking in from all over the country and overseas to witness the action.

Were hopeful of attracting an even bigger crowd this year, and especially with Chris Holder launching his title defence just across the water from Australia.

We will also be installing new and improved grandstands for 2013, which will ensure everyone gets the best possible view of what Im sure will be a great night of racing.

Springs Promotions principal Bill Buckley said he is thrilled to have the FIM Speedway Grand Prix returning to New Zealand after such a spectacular inaugural event.

The FIM Speedway Grand Prix has reignited our passion for this exciting sport, invented by a Kiwi! We cannot wait to welcome riders and fans back to Auckland in March.

Tickets are available online from www.ticketmaster.co.nz or www.speedwaygp.com or by calling: +64 9970 9700.