Russian Teen Shatters Australian's Record in World Speedway Grand Prix

In the last decade the World Speedway Grand Prix has been dominated by Jason Crump, Tony Rickardsson and Nicki Pedersen. At the start of the 2009 season a 19-year-old Russian teenager shook up the Grand Prix world and became the youngest winner ever in the opening round at the Marketa Stadium in Prague.

Freddie Lindgren, Emil Sajfutdinov and Jason Crump on the World Speedway Grand Prix Podium in Prague
Freddie Lindgren, Emil Sajfutdinov and Jason Crump on the World Speedway Grand Prix Podium in Prague

Russian teenager Emil Sajfutdinov broke Jason Crump's record of being the youngest rider ever to win a World Speedway Grand Prix
Russian teenager Emil Sajfutdinov broke Jason Crump's record of being the youngest rider ever to win a World Speedway Grand Prix
Emil Sajfutdinov broke the record held by Jason Crump for the past 13 years. Crump won the British Grand Prix in 1996 at the age of 21. “I am so pleased for young Emil Sajfutdinov,” said Crump. “I remember when I won my first Grand Prix and there is no way to describe the feeling. I never believed this year’s Grand Prix was just between Nicki and me. There are some terrific youngsters coming through.”
Australian Jason Crump, Sweden's Freddie Lindgren and Sweden's Andreas Jonsson battle it out at Marketa Stadium in Poland
Australian Jason Crump, Sweden's Freddie Lindgren and Sweden's Andreas Jonsson battle it out at Marketa Stadium in Poland

Jason Crump. Freddie Lindgren, Kenneth Bjerre and Andreas Jonsson fight for points in the opening round of the 2009 World Speedway Grand Prix
Jason Crump. Freddie Lindgren, Kenneth Bjerre and Andreas Jonsson fight for points in the opening round of the 2009 World Speedway Grand Prix

The established order of the past decade of Grand Prix action was also upset by Swedish rider Freddie Lindgren. Lindgren finished 10th in the 2008 season but finished in second place in Prague. He also had the leading points of the night.

Crump, a two time World Speedway Champion made the podium and finished third overall. Crump struggled at times in the heats trying to get grip on the super slick track. His win in the semi-final gave him another chance in the final to take top honors.

“My start in the final saw me last into the first turn so I knew I had my work cut out,” said the Australian Rider. “Making the final and getting a podium position was a good result. If I can make the final at every round this year I will be happy. There are nine more GP’s and I have a lot of hard work ahead of me if I am to win a third World Championship.”

Crump uses K&N products. “I love K&N filters, they are the best in the world,” he said. “I have solely used K&N products and never had a problem. K&N is the best for dirt track racing. I am racing for the World Championship and I only put the best on my bikes. K&N delivers just that.”

Round two of the Speedway Grand Prix World Championship takes place at Leszno in Poland on May 5.

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