MATT Ford has labelled Josh Grajczonek “one of the most improved riders in the world” following the Aussie’s flying start to the season.

Pirates’ number two has racked up 38 points from four Elite League meetings and was in terrific form in the Good Friday clashes with Swindon as he secured double-figure hauls.

The six heat wins of the 24-year-old proved to Ford that a burgeoning talent is on his books and the Poole promoter hailed the impact of the Queenslander in 2014.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “I believe Josh is one of the most improved riders in the world at this point in time.

“He put huge money into equipment in the off-season and I think it is paying dividends.

“Since he joined the Pirates  last year he’s upped his game and his stature. The pressure
put on Josh has made him really improve.”

Grajczonek also came in for praise from team manager Neil Middleditch, who said: “Josh was outstanding against Swindon and has come on leaps and bounds.

“He was certainly the hero of the grand final last year but I didn’t expect him to be scoring the sort of points he has this season.

“I was expecting fives and sixes and that would have been his job, but he has scored way over that. I can’t see him stopping, he’s just on a roll at the moment.”

Middleditch will lead his team into battle at Birmingham tonight (7.30pm) as Pirates attempt to preserve their 100 per cent winning record in the Elite League.

Adam Ellis guests in place of the injured Kyle Newman.

Birmingham Brummies: 1 Ben Barker 2 Adam Skornicki 3 Danny King 4 Daniel Nermark 5 Edward Kennett 6 Paul Starke 7 Simon Lambert.

Poole Pirates: 1 Chris Holder 2 Josh Gracjzonek 3 Shamek Pawlicki 4 Vaclav Milik 5 Maciej
Janowski 6 Adam Ellis (guest) 7 Lee Smart.