Hancock rolls back the years in Latvia

American Greg Hancock rolled back the years to claim the 10th GP win of his distinguished world speedway career in Latvia last Saturday night.

After an unpredictable night of racing, the 39-year-old Californian, who won the 1997 world title, landed top spot at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Daugavpils ahead of Kenneth Bjerre, Tomasz Gollob and Aussie Jason Crump in his worst result of the year.

It was only Hancock’s third GP win in the last five years, with the American having ridden in all 117 GPs since the series was launched in 1995.

“I am always the optimist and have never given up the belief that I could win a grand prix again,” said Hancock.

“Everyone around me helped and the fact that I have moved up to second place in the world championship is a huge bonus.

“Jason (Crump) is still a long way ahead, but all I can do is keep performing to my best and see what happens.”

Crump’s fourth place -- after he was passed in the final by Gollob – saw him collect 10pts for the night, the same as his closet challenger heading into Latvia, Russia’s Emil Sayfutdinov, who was eliminated in the first semi-final.

But Hancock has now moved ahead of Sayfutdinov (79 to 77pts), with Crump way out in front on 108pts.

Crump was less than impressive in his first two rides, collecting just 1pt on the way, but a change of machinery saw him rally and gather sufficient points to scrape into the semi-finals.

“Getting into the final was a relief in itself.” said Crump.

“So coming fourth is all I really deserved and that’s why I’m pretty happy. My bikes were fine; it was just me that couldn’t get it right tonight, so I’m glad this one's over.

“And great to see Greg Hancock win again. He was clearly the best rider on the night and deserved this victory.”

Australian Leigh Adams finished third in the same semi-final as third, and has improved his championship position to ninth on 42pts.

Click the following link for full results and standings in the 2009 Speedway World Championship. .

There are five rounds still to go, with the next outing in Sweden on August 15.