Robins play Crump card for Kilby Memorial (From Swindon Advertiser)

Robins play Crump card for Kilby Memorial

8:00am Thursday 25th February 2010 in

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TRIPLE world champion Jason Crump has been announced as the latest addition to the Bob Kilby Memorial line-up, a meeting which opens Swindon’s 2010 season at Blunsdon on Thursday, March 18.

Crump is arguably the biggest name in an impressive field which includes the likes of Nicki Pedersen, Leigh Adams and Hans Andersen.

Joining those international heavy hitters are talented Swede Freddie Lindgren, popular Swindon asset Lee Richardson and former Robins favourite Seb Ulamek.

The meeting will be staged over a Grand Prix-style 23-heat format and is expected to attract a large crowd to the Abbey Stadium.

Crump, who made a handful of appearances for Belle Vue in 2009 but is not riding in Britain this season, is well-known to Swindon supporters having spent a memorable campaign at Blunsdon in 1993.

His tenacious attitude and spectacular Abbey Stadium style means the 34-year-old has always been a popular figure on the Robins terraces.

Crump is understood to have initially turned down the meeting before having a change of heart, much to the delight of Swindon co-owner Gary Patchett.

He said: “Jason’s addition to the Bob Kilby Memorial is an extremely exciting one and I’m sure this announcement will be well-received by Swindon fans.

“Watching Jason Crump, Nicki Pedersen and Leigh Adams race one another on the opening night of the season is a great way for the club to launch the 2010 campaign.

“The meeting line-up combines youth and experience as well as containing riders with vast international experience."

The addition of the Aussie to the field means there is just one more name to be revealed before the full line-up is completed.

Those so far announced are Jason Crump, Leigh Adams, Nicki Pedersen, Lee Richardson, Freddie Lindgren, Simon Stead, Seb Ulamek, Hans Andersen, Steve Johnston, Mads Korneliussen, Morten Risager, Thomas H. Jonasson, Grzegorz Zengota, Davey Watt and Ben Barker.

Meanwhile, Robins boss Ronnie Russell has told the Advertiser that Wolverhampton doubling-up rider Joe Haines will not guest for Swindon in their meeting at Ipswich on April 2, Good Friday.

Haines had been named as the man to cover for the absences of Cory Gathercole, Jordan Frampton and Steve Boxall due to Premier League commitments, but he is now required by Wolves for their clash with Belle Vue.

In the absence of the King’s Lynn hotshot, Canadian Kyle Legault will line up alongside Thomas H. Jonasson at reserve against Ipswich.