AMERICAN veteran Greg Hancock duly claimed the 2016 world speedway title in Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium to join former Swindon star Barry Briggs and Swede Hans Nielsen on a record four wins.

The 46-year-old, known as 'The Grin', has just signed a two-year contract with major sponsor Monster Energy so clearly he has no intention of hanging his steel shoe up just yet.

Swindon fans were left thinking what might have been if series leader and Robins skipper Jason Doyle had not crashed out in the previous GP in Torun. Doyle doubtless watched from his Polish hospital bed as his title slipped away.

Tai Woffinden, Bartosz Zmarzlik and Chris Holder all overtook him on the points chart to leave the Aussie in fifth place – as he had been in his 2015 GP debut season.

Woffinden was back showing some top class form; he needed to finish in front of the talented Zmarzlik in the final to grab the silver medal which he duly did with some ease. The enigmatic Swede Antonio Lindback, after a good night, finished last in the final but his efforts ensured that he finished in the top eight in the series to guarantee his 2017 place.

Niels-Kristian Iversen of King's Lynn, claimed the final spot for 2017 with 12 points leaving former Robins Matej Zagar and Maciej Janowski relying on being picked by the FIM for one of the nominated places for next season.

Robins asset Peter Kildemand has had a wretched time since winning the first GP of the season and finished 12th.

Chris Harris ended his 10-year tenure in the Grand Prix series which has cost him much expense and heartache – and only one GP win in 2007 at Cardiff.

The rumour mill suggests Harris could be coming to Swindon in 2017. His average does make him a rider who will be much in demand.

Meanwhile, there is a lot of activity around the site of the new Swindon stadium, suggesting building is about to start.

However, most people expect next season to start on the existing track which is in superb condition as it’s put to bed for the winter.

AUSTRALIAN FIM SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX, Melbourne Chris Holder 17 point (1st), Tai Woffinden 15 (2nd), Bartosz Zmarzlik 15 (3rd), Antonio Lindback 14 (4th).

FINAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (selected riders): 1, Greg Hancock 139; 2, Tai Woffinden 130; 3, Bartosz Zmarzlik 128; 4, Chris Holder 126; 5, Jason Doyle 123; 9, Matej Zagar 90; 10, Maciej Janowski 90; 12, Peter Kildemand 68.