Crump cuts first laps in Melbourne world speedway track

Australia's three-time world speedway champion Jason Crump has become the first rider to try out the purpose-built circuit at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne which will host the final round of the 2015 world championship this Saturday, October 24 — the first time the title has been Down Under since 2002.

Crump completed some shakedown laps ahead of official tomorrow when the 16 riders, including Australians Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor, Chris Holder and wildcard Sam Masters, will take to the 346-metre circuit for the first time.

WATCH CRUMP IN ACTION

At that length, the Etihad circuit is about 70 metres longer than the purpose-built layout at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which is the crown jewel in the world speedway calendar.

That's the halo mantle that Etihad CEO Paul Sergeant would like to take at Etihad, with the boutique stadium on the fringe of the Melbourne CBD set to host a round of the world title for the next five years.

And Sergeant knows what it takes to reach the apex, as he was the CEO of Millennium Stadium when it first secured the world speedway round back in 2000.

“It’s going to be a ripping weekend and we’re really looking forward to it," said Sergeant. "We’re incredibly ambitious, and it’s been a good three years in the making getting the event here.

“What you see now is the result of many, many people working very hard together. We’re expecting anywhere between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators in year one, which is well above our original expectations.

“What is interesting is that 68 percent of ticket sales are from interstate and overseas, which really shows the reach that an event like this has.

“We have a dedicated speedway following in Australia that are coming far and wide, and we’re really looking forward to putting on a great show.”

Australia's four riders, plus multiple world champions Greg Hancock and Nicki Pedersen, attended a media conference at Etihad Stadium this morning, and a hot topic of conversation was the expansive layout prepared by Swedish Ole Olsen, the former world champion turned track builder.

"The track looks pretty appetising, that's for sure," said Hancock, who will officially pass the world champion baton to Perth-bred Briton Tai Woffinden on Saturday night. "The track has some Aussie influence — the corners are as long as the straights — and it looks like there will be plenty of opportunities to pass other riders."

Masters also shared his excitement about racing in a Speedway Grand Prix in front of a home crowd.

“I was 11 years old the last time the Speedway GP was in Australia, I took it all in then, and I’ve been to Cardiff a couple of times, so I’ve seen what the GP is all about,” Masters said.

“I’m a bit nervous, but it should be a lot of fun. Hopefully I can go out there and get amongst it

“I’ve raced a lot of them before, and I’ve beat some of them before which is good, but being the grand prix it’s a lot harder.”

All 16 riders will enjoy short and sharp practice sessions tomorrow afternoon — four two-minute outings — with all ticket holders able to catch the action for free. Practice commences at 3:00pm and concludes at 4:30pm.

The draw for Saturday night's racing takes place at 2:00pm on Friday. The event will be held over 23 races: 20 heats, semi-finals and then the big finale.

Tickets for the 2015 DON Smallgoods Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix will remain on sale until the event kicks, and can be purchased here. Tickets will also be available at the gate, with racing to commence at 7:00pm on Saturday.