THREE-times world champion Jason Crump believes that there is now a "huge shift in dynamic" for women to be a racing success in speedway.
The ex-Belle Vue superstar is one of the headline names backing the groundbreaking ATPI FIM Women’s Speedway Academy in Manchester.
It was revealed last Monday at the National Speedway Stadium (NSS) that Crump along with fellow track legend Greg Hancock and Grand Prix Race Director Phil Morris will be the main tutors at the event taking place at the NSS in Manchester on August 4/5th.
Crump believes that this is a trailblazing moment for the sport and said: “It’s a big shift in dynamic for women in speedway. The FIM has to be commended for making this bold step and to give women this wonderful platform to succeed.
“This is very much ground zero for women racing in speedway. It’s a long road to success but it starts here with this new structure of the ATPI FIM Women’s Academy.
“We don’t really know where this journey will take us. Women racing in speedway has been tried before but has failed to catch on because of the lack of support.
“That is now in place with the FIM. It will be fascinating to see how it unfolds.
“But it starts here. Around 25 years ago people would have laughed about England’s women winning the Euros in 2022. People may have scoffed at a woman beating the men at darts in the world championship. Yet Fallon Sherrock has done it and now has been awarded an MBE.
“All of these success stories start with the right opportunities and platforms at some stage. This is speedway’s turn for women.
“There has been an excellent amount of interest in women signing up for the Academy. I’m excited to see how it goes.
“We already have some prospects. Katie Gordon became the first NORA British Women’s Champion on the Isle of Wight last year. The first event of its kind.
“Young German Celina Liebmann also made history by competing in the SGP2 as a wild card last season. She certainly has the ability to race in a team and make an impact.
“If the ATPI FIM Academy can raise the profile of women in speedway, increase the number of participants and competition, then we have the path to real potential success.”
British Champion Gordon, from Knutsford, admits she has been blown away by the big names backing the project.
Along with Crump, Hancock and Morris will be Great Britain Team bosses Rob Painter and Vicky Blackwell along with their backroom staff. Ex-British Champion Rory Schlein will also be on hard for advice for the Academy days.
Gordon added: “It’s massively inspiring to have these names working with us and wanting us to progress.
“I feel very lucky to be given this opportunity. The FIM has taken a huge step and invested in women in speedway and that’s so awesome for us all.
“I know this will mean more competition and maybe harder for me to win future titles. But bring it on, that’s the best way for me to improve.
“I wake up every day of the week wanting to be the world champion, just the same as any guy does. I don’t see any reason why I can’t achieve that.
“I’ve already got a great rivalry with Celina. We are great pals off track but it’s about time I beat her and I’m working hard to make that happen.
“But I can’t wait for the ATPI FIM Academy to start. In my mind it’s day one for me to get a team place and climb the ladder and reach my dream of getting into the Grand Prix series. I want to go to the very top.”
Manchester born and based MotoGP presenter Natalie Quirk believes that the new Academy is a huge step for women in the sport.
Quirk was previously a reporter on the Women’s Super League in football and hopes women can make the same rapid progress.
She said: “A successful woman rider would be huge for speedway. It would be terrific for an entirely new audience and make a big impact in the media as well.
“It’s brilliant that the FIM has taken this step to make it happen. I’m delighted and proud that ATPI and Belle Vue are hosting such a groundbreaking event.
“I know there’s a long way to go. But it has to start somewhere for women on the track and we already have promising riders like Celina and Katie.
“With a few more joining up to have a go we will hopefully discover more talent.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.