Aussie Jason Crump (left) is inching toward a second consecutive Speedway GP crown.

A haul of 17 championship points and a top three finish in yesterday’s FIM Valvoline Croatian Speedway Grand Prix has seen defending World Champion Jason Crump close in on his championship rivals with three rounds of the 2010 series still remaining.

The Australian, who currently sits third in the World Championship standings, took three heat wins and two second place finishes to earn his semi final berth.

Crump finished second in his semi-final and had third gate pick for the final but acknowledged that it was difficult to improve when starting from gate 3 or 4.

“It was an interesting event,” Crump stated. “Practice was very good, we have some new engines so mechanically I am very happy with what we have.

“The event being rained out on Saturday night was a difficult situation. I prepared myself for racing in those conditions then the event was postponed 30mins before it was due to start.

“The next morning I jogged 4kms around the circuit to wake myself up and be ready to race at midday.

“I was happy with my races, but even more importantly, my consistency has paid off. The gap in the championship has closed up and if I do things right I have the opportunity to be World Champion again,” Crump concluded.

Crump will now prepare for the ninth installment of 2010 Speedway Grand Prix series, the FIM Dansk Metal Nordic SGP, which will be held at Vojens Speedway Center on Saturday 11 September.