Australian Still in World Speedway Grand Prix Points Lead After Upset by Russian Teen

World Speedway Grand Prix points leader Jason Crump is having his best run since he secured the second of his two world-titles back in 2006.

Australian Jason Crump on left, Russian teen Emil Sayfutdinov in center and Sweden's Andreas Jonsson on right after Swedish Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick
Australian Jason Crump on left, Russian teen Emil Sayfutdinov in center and Sweden's Andreas Jonsson on right after Swedish Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick

Jason Crump is the points leader in the 2009 World Series Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick
Jason Crump is the points leader in the 2009 World Series Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick
The Australian finished runner up in the Swedish Grand Prix but leads the title race with 52 points overall in the series. Russian teenager Emil Sayfutdinov took victory ahead of Crump and Brazilian-born Swedish Wild Card entry Antonio Lindback who finished out the podium in third place.
Australian Grand Prix World Champion Jason Crump not sure of the extent of his injuries after Swedish Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick
Australian Grand Prix World Champion Jason Crump not sure of the extent of his injuries after Swedish Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick

Jason Crump followed Sweden's Fredrik Lindgren during tough track conditions at Swedish Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick
Jason Crump followed Sweden's Fredrik Lindgren during tough track conditions at Swedish Grand Prix, photo by Mike Patrick

The track conditions deteriorated as the night progressed and drivers had to cope with the slick and rutting surface. In the first running of the final Crump spectacularly laid his bike down to avoid Sayfutdinov. The Russian came down after coming together with Nicki Pedersen while fighting for the lead. The referee decided Pedersen was the cause of the stoppage and he was excluded.

Crump sustained an injury to his left leg and a finger on his left hand in the incident. He managed to throttle back to the pits to get his spare bike for the next run. On the re-start Crump came out first and took the lead. He held first place for two-and-a-half-laps before the 19-year-old Russian blasted past Crump for his second Grand Prix victory of the season.

“It was one of those nights,” said Crump. “I am happy to be on the podium again but disappointed with myself that I did not win in Sweden. I was in the lead and on the pace so my hat goes off to Emil for an outstanding ride.”

Crump uses K&N products on his motorcycles. “K&N makes the best filter on the market,” he said. “Under extreme track conditions K&N keeps the dirt out of my motorcycle engines. I can also depend on extra filtration and additional horsepower every time I race.” Crump heads off to London to have his injuries checked out before the next Grand Prix in Denmark.

Crump holds a 6 point lead over Sayfutdinov, with Swedens Andreas Jonsson at 39 points overall. Crump has scaled down his schedule in 2009 and is sitting out this season's British League because of its intense schedule. "I believe I'm seeing the benefits of my decision," said Crump. "By cutting back on the number of competitions I'm not as worn down. It's nice to look at my calendar and see that I don't have four of five races in one week."

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