Motorsport: Q & A with Jason Crump

Jason Crump. Photo / Jarek Pabijan

Triple world champion Jason Crump, from Australia, will be among the stars who light up Western Springs on a historical night next month.

The speedway legend is part of a dynasty. His late grandfather, Neil Street, and father, Phil Crump, were international riders - Phil Crump finished third in the 1976 world championship in Poland.

Since 1995, grand prix races held almost exclusively in Europe have decided the world championship. The first race this season will be held in Western Springs on March 31, just the second time a GP has been held outside of Europe.

Crump won the title in 2004, 2006 - his most dominant series, when he won four races - and 2009.

How significant is this race for New Zealand speedway?

The GP has been going for 15 years and, apart from Australia in 2002, the racing has been European-based. It is a big deal for New Zealand to put its hand up.

Are there major differences between various tracks and what Western Springs will offer?

Western Springs is a big track so it will be fast - you're talking about the best 16 riders in the world so it's rubbish when people talk about tracks suiting certain riders.

It's easy to see how you got into this sport.

Yeah, but you have to have the commitment to pursue it, the bulls*** stops when you get on the bike.

Do you remember one of your world championship wins above the others?

Winning any world championship is special but anyone who says their first one doesn't have an extra meaning would be lying. Childhood hero?I've always been an avid follower of the Australian cricket team so I'd have been supporting Allan Border, and later on Steve Waugh.

Remaining goals?

To keep competing for as long as possible at the highest level.

Career lowpoint?

Finishing with silver in the three world championships before I finally won my first was a bitter pill to swallow, but it also made me a tougher rider.

Other interests?

I'm a huge fan of F1 and, while I'm pretty average at it, I like to race in motocross.