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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127801
.SPEEDWAY· , ~ 1nd1Vidu81 ChampiOns/llP. Round 5: British Grand Prix seven points behind Nielsen, seemed certain to lose all hope of keeping pace with Nielsen when at one stage it looked like he would miss the A final altogether. But the brave Cradley Heath rider, one of the most popular figures in British speedway, dug deep to preserve his status as main challenger to Nielsen by scoring 10 qualifying points. Hamill knows he has it all to do when the next Grand Prix starts in Denmark later this month. If the American finishes nine points ahead of Nielsen, he will be champion - but Nielsen remains the firm favorite to retain his crown. "Hans is obviously the clear favorite to take the title, but I'll go to Denmark as the underdog with nothing to lose," Hamill said. "The very fact that I am in this position is an improvement on last year and I'm very positive about the whole thing. There is no reason why I can't go there and take it - but I also have to rely on Hans slipping up and that's something I can do very little about." Nielsen's second place ahead of Hamill means he holds a nine-point lead in the race for the title, and although he remains a strong favorite, ilt least it gives Hamill a target for the final round in Vijens, Denmark, later this month. Nielsen was satisfied with his efforts and he is as determined as ever to shake off the challenge of Hamill. ''I'm ready for Vojens now because I am naturally confident of becoming champion," ielsen said. "Throughout the Grand Prix, I have always aimed to be in the top four scorers and that's what I have done most of the time - the same again in Denmark should be enough, although I acknowledge the fact that Billy still has something to go for." Greg Hancock again made the A By John Hipklss 12 LONDON, ENGLAND, AUG. 31 hi Ie all eyes were on the championship contenders at the fifth round of the World Speedway Series, Australian Jason Crump stunned the crowd and his competitors alike as he took his first win ever on the world stage. In sq doing, he also became the first Aussie to win a world championship Grand Prix, and it was particularly sweet for the talented youngster as his father and grandfather were both there to see it. Crump, who made a big-money move from Poole to Peterborough in England during the winter, had a dream start in the A final and he was a worthy winner - he celebrated with a Hamillstyle wheelie! "My dad is over here from Australia and I'm the first Aussie ever to win a speedway Grand Prix:' the youngster said. "That makes me feel very proud. "I know I was born in Bristol, but Britain can take no credit for this - I'm an Aussie!" Crump, in a jovial mood with tongue in cheek, continued. And what about the championship contenders? American Billy Hamill still has an outside' chance of winning the world title, despi te losing ground to reigning champion Hans Nielsen in London. Hamill, who won the previous round in Sweden to put himself just (Above) Australian Jason Crump took the first Speedway Grand Prix win of his career with his A IInal victory in London. (Right) Crump dives under American Billy Hamill In the Alina!. Hamill still has an outside chance at the tille, but his thlrdplace finish did nothing to improve that chance.