Jason Crump's new Book

Champions of the past don't have a monopoly on the printed word.

Unveiling his new book "A World of My Own" on the first weekend of March is Jason Crump, the 2004 World Champion, who along with his wife Melody is a quest of honour at the WSRA dinner.

The Belle Vue skipper, whose record of finishing in the world@s top two five years in succession is unequalled even by the greats of yesteryear, has put pen to paper in a highly personal and lavishly-illustrated 250-page story laced with anecdotes and incidents from an already colourful career.

Jason, the youngest Grand Prix winner when he collected the 1996 British GP at the age of 21, endured a lengthy and character-testing wait for the spot's ultimate honuour. But Australia's first world title-winner for half a century looks well positioned to challenge for more honours in coming years.

The new book tipped to be a best seller on the speedway charts this summer - there's even a Swedish language edition - is written in collaboration with journalist and former promoter Martin Rogers, who is over from Australia to assist with its launch.

Martin Rogers Writes

JASON Crump is a modern world champion with a keen sense of speedway's history and traditions - not so surprising, given his family connections.

The all-action Australian star, who has featured in the world's top two for the past five years,  goes into print for the first time with A WORLD OF MY OWN, to be published in March.

Jason pays generous tribute to the support he has received from the likes of his grandfather Neil Street, who has been involved with the sport as a rider, mechanical wizard and team manager for more than half a century.

Then there's the father-son relationship with Phil, who many 1970s and '80s pundits rate as one of the best riders never to have won a world title.

Jason's 272-page book (including 16 pages of full colour photographs) is co-authored by Australian - based journalist/administrator Martin Rogers, who is in the UK for its launch and promotion.

Copies will be available at the WSRA dinner on March 4 at which Jason is an honoured guest.