It was a night of disappointment for the System Edström Monster Energy Team Hancock. After scoring 3 wins and 10 points from the heats to earn a place in the semi finals, it all came to an end when the tapes went up in semi final 1. Greg lifted badly at the start and was left to chase the other three riders for a place in the finals. Sadly it was not to be and he had to leave the Grand Prix with only the 10 points scored from the heats. This allowed Greg to move within one point of Tomasz Gollob for second overall and to move two points closer to Jason Crump for the title. Jason now has almost an insurmountable lead with only three Grand Prix’ left in the season, but Greg vowed to battle to the end. The race for second place and the silver medal is heating up with Tomasz, Greg, and Emil Sayfutdinov all within one point of each other and the Vojens winner Andreas Jonsson a further ten points adrift.

There was some good for last night’s Grand Prix as Greg was able to meet up with good friends and fellow Cradley Heath teammates Eric Gundersen and Jan O’ Pedersen. Greg said, it was really good to have a chat with both of them. With our schedules we just don’t get to see each other very often and basically stay in touch by text and email. Eric and Helle, Eric’s wife, were such an important part of my early speedway career, it is always a pleasure to get to meet up with them.

In two weeks time the Grand Prix circus moves on to Krsko Slovenia for round 9 of the FIM World Championship.