PREMIERSHIP: Could Crump represent UK in 2021?

Redakcja Po Bandzie
16 marca, 2021
12:58

British speedway is home to a large number of Australians who make the country their home during the long season and „double up” in both the Premiership and Championship.

And in 2020 two „Australian” riders medalled in the British national championships, raising the question as to whether they could represent their adopted country at international level.

Rory Schlein and Jason Crump

Rory Schlein has been racing in the UK for over 20 years and is the current British national champion, even though he was born in Darwin, Australia. He was going to retire in 2020, but is currently signed with Wolverhampton Wolves in the SGB Premiership for 2021. Could he appear at a European qualifier for his new country?

However, the name that will surely send the crowds wild is three times world champion, Jason Crump. Now 45 years old, he made a shock return to British speedway last year, but due to the pandemic was only able to appear in the national championship where he finished in third.

Crump was born in Bristol, UK where he grew up and went to school but is son of Australian speedway rider, Phil. In 2021 he will represent Ipswich Witches in the SGB Premiership alongside Drew Kemp, who replaced the injured Tai Woffinden in the British national team at the Speedway of Nations last year.

Could it be that a former Australian gets to race in the European Championships this year?

Crump v Pedersen – again?

Many would love to see Crump and Nicki Pedersen go head-to-head again in what would be one of the most interesting reunions in speedway history! The duo had a long dominating period in the world championship between 2001-2015. In 12 of these 14 years at least one of the pair medalled every season. In addition, they appeared together on the podium on four occasions (2003 and 2006-2008) as well as winning three World Championships a piece. Fans across the world wouls certainly love to see two of the greatest riders in the last 20 years renewing their rivalry renewed during this year’s TAURON SEC.