There's not many riders who have been top of the World Championship in recent seasons - you can count them on one hand.
This season has been bigged up as the changing of the guard, a new era of SGP racing, and that's proved to be spot on with Kenneth Bjerre's wonderful win in Sweden which rocketed him above Jason Crump to the top of the standings.
Bjerre: Winner in Sweden (Pic credit Fotospeedway.pl)
It's a goods thing for the series. Speaking to Paul Bellamy at BSI Speedway, I know the organisers are excited about the new series and the way appears to be so wide open.
Bjerre has got guts and determination and has always been a class act. This season he seems to be the real deal, the complete package. He's scoring well for Peterborough, something he didn't always do last season, and has stepped up his performances in the Grand Prix.
Crump still a threat
So we head to Prague this weekend with a new series leader, but don't write off Jason Crump again.
Bjerre has got guts and determination and has always been a class act. This season he seems to be the real deal.
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He failed to make the semis in Gothenburg after scoring only one point from three outings but came good towards the end and I expect him to be right on the money from the off in Prague.
And I can't remember the last time I saw Nicki Pedersen so unhappy after Gothenburg. He was interviewed and had a long face, ruing another disappointing night by his own high standards. Now I am no technical expert, I leave that to my colleagues like Kelvin and Chris, but he simply doesn't look fast enough.
Fans of the great Dane will be hoping he can get it right in Prague. He's got the ability, but you can only work with the tools you are given.
British interest
So what about the British boys? I fear for Tai Woffinden after his crash at Wolverhampton on Monday which has left him nursing a wrist injury. It's bad timing (not that there is ever a good time) because I was delighted to see he was on the pace in Gothenburg and deserved more for his efforts.
Chris Harris has shown improved form in recent weeks and he has a good opportunity to press ahead with claims for a top eight spot. Cornishman Chris knows he won't get another invited into the series, so it's top eight or bust!
I'm going for a Jason Crump win in Prague - and I fancy Tomasz Gollob for the rostrum with Emil Sayfutdinov. Enjoy the meeting, it could be a cracker!
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