PIRATES SWOOP FOR LIGHTCAP

POOLE have announced the signing of American SGP2 racer Slater Lightcap as their replacement for long-term injury victim Fraser Bowes.

Lightcap, who will turn 21 later this month, is a protégé of former Pirates rider and quadruple World Champion Greg Hancock, and he is set to make his debut against Scunthorpe on Wednesday.

Promoter Dan Ford said: “We are delighted to have found a replacement at last, and in Slater I feel we have a rider more than capable of holding his own at reserve.

“Of course, it is a bit like last season when Will (Cairns) joined us once he was old enough and had to learn quickly. Slater more so as he is even less experienced on the British tracks, but his ability to learn is natural.

“He is just outside a medal position currently in the SGP2, and of course his connections with Greg will prove valuable. What better mentor could you have than a four times World Champion?”