MATT Ford has led the Poole Pirates tributes following the death of Polish rider Krystian Rempala.

The 18-year-old suffered head injuries in a crash while riding for Tarnow against Rybnik in Poland eight days ago.

Rempala underwent emergency surgery but it was announced on Saturday that he had lost his fight for life.

The youngster was not directly linked to Pirates but was known to many on the circuit having come from a long line of riders, some of whom competed in the UK.

His father, Jacek Rempala, rode for Ipswich and Berwick and in an invitational meeting at Wimborne Road with his uncle, Marcin Rempala, representing the same two clubs.

And although Krystian Rempala had yet to make his mark on these shores, Ford said the impact of his passing would still be felt in Britain.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “It is such a tragedy for a young man to lose his life participating in a sport so close to his heart.

“The Rempala family has been known and respected across many borders for many years and while I had no dealings with Krystian myself, I understand he was a talent that many people were excited about.

“The shock of such dreadful news quickly spreads in speedway. We all know the dangers but it never gets any easier to comprehend.

“It doesn’t matter how well you know those involved, we all feel it because speedway is one big family. That was proved when one of our own, Darcy Ward, sustained his injuries.

“Every rider is affected and at times like these, you realise what is important. You think you are going through a tough time with the day-to-day pressures of speedway but when something like this happens, you look at things very differently.

“I know I speak on behalf of everyone connected to Poole Speedway when I offer our heartfelt condolences to Krystian’s family, friends and team-mates.”

Poole travel to Swindon today (4pm) with Krzysztof Buczkowski returning to a full one-to-seven.

Chris Holder steps back up to heat leader, Adam Ellis is promoted to second string and Kyle Newman rides at reserve.

Swindon: (from) Jason Doyle, Josh Grajczonek, Nick Morris, Justin Sedgman, Rohan Tungate, Stefan Nielsen, Charles Wright. Team manager: Alun Rossiter.

Poole: (from) Hans Andersen, Krzysztof Buczkowski, Adam Ellis, Chris Holder, Bjarne Pedersen, Brady Kurtz, Kyle Newman. Team manager: Neil Middleditch.