PIRATES STICK WITH LAWSON

RICHARD Lawson will return for a second season with defending Championship holders Poole this year.

Lawson was ever-present for the Pirates in 2022 and returns on a team-building average of 7.97 having played a starring role in their play-off triumph.

Promoter Danny Ford said: “We are delighted to have Richard back as he was a major contributor to our success, and hopefully he will continue to deliver those big scores for us in 2023.

“He has repeatedly expressed just how happy he is here at Poole, and I am sure that his return will go down well with all our fans.

“It is not just his scoring prowess on the track that makes him an attraction, but his presence in the pits is immense. I will be honest and say that it surprised me a little bit, but he was always there, ready and willing to add help to the other members of the team and showed great leadership. It is an important factor.”