AFL star tries Speedway ahead of FIM Aus Speedway GP

As part of a Channel 7 promotion for the event, the trio headed to the Broadford State Motorcycle Sports Complex on Monday to be put through their paces by Crump at Broadford's speedway arena.

After a quick tutorial, a somewhat nervous Akermanis took to the track and gradually started to show the skill and flair that he was known for on the football field throughout his 325-game career, while Taylor remained trackside to commentate proceedings.

Despite having previous motorcycle racing experience stemming from competing in the Phillip Island 8-Hour Australian Endurance Championship in 2011, the 2001 Brownlow Medallist admitted speedway riding was a whole new ball-game.

 

"Except for the cut on my head from having too much stress, I think I did alright considering I have no experience, and he (Crump) has been doing it since he can't even remember," Akermanis said.

"Having done those few years on bikes and done lots of racing with karts and superkarts, they are nothing like riding that thing.

"You need instinct, and your brain doesn't want to do what you think it wants to do, but it was great to get the thing sideways and feel like I was doing it half decently.

"But I was happy to survive. I'm a guy whose brain doesn't work that well at the best of times, so this sort of stuff should suit me a lot, and it was a super experience."

 

Crump was complimentary of the racing skills displayed by the three-time premiership player.

"I actually think he did okay. He wasn't slow, and all that was required was a few tweaks with his technique," Crump said.

"Having ridden different sorts of motorcycles before, he obviously had a bit of an idea and a bit of balance, so he was a couple of steps ahead of a raw novice.

"But speedway bikes are pretty different and I think he handled it really well."

 

Having spent the back end of his career at the Western Bulldogs with Etihad Stadium as his home ground, Akermanis said the venue had all the elements required to deliver a high-quality spectacle.

 

"I reckon it will be great. Once they shut the roof, the noise that these things make when they're all going full tilt, and those guys are on it the whole way around until they come into the corner," Akermanis said.

 

"I know there is a lot going on around that time, but Melbournians are always great and they will come to any great sporting event, and I think once they see the standard of the world's best, it will be worth paying for absolutely."

 

Crump was equally excited about what Melbourne and its renowned sporting culture could offer to the event.

"To get the crossover with AFL down here is huge, so it is really cool that everyone is working together to make this an event that we should all be proud of," Crump said.

"I went to the St Kilda and Sydney Swans match at Etihad last weekend, and although there were only 20,000 people there, the stadium generated a pretty good atmosphere. Having the roof closed for the Speedway GP is going to be important and the noise will be deafening.

"The atmosphere, the noise, the speed and everything that's going on is going to be really exciting, so I urge people if they're 50/50 on whether to go or not to give it a shot."

 

With Australia having a number of riders in the top-flight competition, Crump said it was the perfect opportunity to see our local riders up close and personal.

"It's the best 16 riders in the world coming to Australia with a few Aussies in there with a chance, so give it a go and see what you think. I have no doubt that there will be a few people that are surprised when they go to the event for the first time," he said.

"Chris Holder has had a couple of years that have been hampered by injury but he is just starting to get going again.

"Jason Doyle last year was probably the best rider in the world that wasn't competing in the Grand Prix and he has now earned his spot in there. It's great to see those guys doing well.

"They're all learning and they're all improving all the time. The level of young riders we've got here in Australia at the moment is pretty good, so I think our future for Speedway is looking pretty good, especially when you factor in that we have a Grand Prix here now at Etihad Stadium."

 

 

Tickets go on sale throughTicketmaster Australiaon Friday, October 10 at 9am Melbourne time, with prices starting at the bargain price of $49 AUD for adults and $24.50 AUD for children.