RACE FOR PETE

Poole's 2016 season opener on Wednesday 16th March will also see the inaugural staging of the Pete Ansell Memorial Race.

The former Poole promoter sadly passed away last November but club owner Matt Ford is insistent that one of his 'right-hand' men should be remembered by all and so has introduced this special heat which will be contested by four Pirates. 

"This is a race in all honesty I wish was not happening. We miss Pete terribly, but hope he will be looking down on us, and know he will forever be in our thoughts.

"We will be joined by Roz Ansell, Pete's wife along with his sons Mark and Simon and family whilst Mervyn Stewkesbury will also be coming along to celebrate with us all.

Ford also confirmed that Hans Andersen and Dave Watt would be two of the quartet to ride in the heat which will take place after the Poole v Coventry Elite Shield first leg has concluded. There will also be a minute's applause ahead of the meeting to recognise the dedicated work that Pete invested in speedway.