PIRATES hope to name a replacement for Lee Smart tomorrow after promoter Matt Ford confirmed the out-of-form reserve was to be axed.

Smart has endured a woeful start to the season in Poole kevlars, scoring just eight points in five outings which included two no-scores.

And Ford has lost patience with the Swindon-born rider, who cut a dejected figure in the 48-42 win over Birmingham last night.

Pirates are able to name a rider below Smart in the British Speedway Promoters’ Association’s fast track draft grade list, provided that rider is eligible for a full-time position.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “I will apply to the BSPA in the next 24 hours and then we will inform the Pirates supporters of the change that’s being made.

“We hope the new one-to-seven will be finalised some time tomorrow.

“We’re going to make a change and it may be that we try something for another month or so until we find what’s best for the club in that position.”

Ford admitted he had sympathy for Smart, a product of the Elite League’s inaugural draft who ended up being the oldest rider in the Poole side at 26.

“If the fast track system had happened five years ago it would have been so beneficial to Lee because he was really on the verge of making it at that time,” said Ford.

“I do believe whoever rides at number seven will find it very hard. There isn’t anyone out there that’s tearing things up and it will be no different for whoever comes in to replace Lee.

“It hasn’t quite worked out for him. He’s not racing enough because he’s not in the Premier League, he’s only in the National League and he’s only had one meeting.

“Lee’s been chasing from the back because of a lack of meetings. There’s been no lack of effort and I wish him all the best and I hope he gets fixed up elsewhere and does himself proud.”