Crump is chasing his third World Championship title.

Star rider Jason Crump is set to miss the rescheduled four-team tournament featuring the Oxford Cheetahs.

The World Championship leader, who rode for Oxford in 1998, was due to ride for them before picking up an injury.

Meeting organiser Gary Patchett said: "Whilst we haven't we haven't had Jason's confirmation he can't ride, we are assuming and fearing the worst.

"I can't imagine for one minute he will risk riding on Thursday with what else he has at stake."

The Australian suffered a serious friction burn in a fall at Belle Vue on Monday and is likely to require a skin graft.

Patchett added: "It's typical Murphy's law isn't it. You just have to take things like this on the chin.

"It could have easily been anyone else who might have pulled out. It just happens to be the guy who is likely to win the world title."

Despite the absence of Crump for the meeting at Swindon on 17 September, the race will still feature a host of other top riders in the colours of Oxford, Swindon, Cradley and Reading.

Confirmed riders include Steve Johnston (Oxford), Niels-Kristian Iversen (Oxford), Leigh Adams (Swindon), Hans Andersen (Cradley) and Matej Zagar (Reading).

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