BJARNE Pedersen revealed his pride at his seismic Pirates contribution and admitted: "I spent my best years at Poole."

Pedersen is the second-highest scorer in club history, with only Craig Boyce having amassed more than the Dane's 3,753.5 points

The 39-year-old helped Pirates win three Elite League titles and memorably took top honours in the 2004 Elite League Riders' Championship on home shale.

Pedersen, who most recently rode for Poole in 2016, will tomorrow line up in the Dorset club's 70th anniversary meeting which could prove his final racing appearance at Wimborne Road.

Reflecting on his points-scoring exploits in the skull and crossbones, the fans' favourite told the Daily Echo: "Scores have never been something I've really looked at but of course, you get mentioned here and there.

"It was never a goal to be the highest one but of course I'm proud to be second.

"It's unreal to think I have done 16 or 17 seasons in British speedway. It doesn't feel like that many years.

"I spent my best years at Poole and I'm proud of what I did for the club. I had 10 great seasons there, we won trophies and I couldn't have asked for any more.

"Every trophy was special. When you win the league, of course it is the best but even if it is the Knockout Cup or something else, it is still special.

"It has been great to be part of this club and it's great to turn up to a meeting like this one on Friday and still be welcome. Poole is my second home.

"I still have sponsors and a lot of friends here so I keep an eye on how Poole are doing and keep in touch with a lot of people."

Pedersen and compatriot Frederik Jakobsen – the latter a transfer target for Poole boss Matt Ford – practised at Wimborne Road on Wednesday to prepare for the anniversary meeting.

"On Friday, we will all come to win but some riders may be hot and cold as they only have a few laps under their belts," said Pedersen.

"It's so hard to say what will happen but it's going to be interesting. We've only done a few laps and I'm probably going to try a new engine.

"One of the key things is to make good starts. Everyone is still a bit rusty so to get out of the gate first is always the priority."

Pedersen is this year set to ride for Ostrow in Poland, Indianerna in Sweden and Holstebro in Denmark.

The experienced charger refused to confirm tomorrow's meeting would be his last appearance at Poole, saying: "I don't really want to say too much now.

"Give me a call after the season and I will let you know the plan!"

Meanwhile, Chris Holder has been replaced in the anniversary meeting line-up by British racer Josh Auty. 

It was revealed on Wednesday that Holder would miss the opening weeks of the season due to personal reasons.

Tonight’s meeting will be run to a straight 20-heat format.

Field: 1 Linus Sundstrom, 2 Nico Covatti, 3 Brady Kurtz, 4 Bjarne Pedersen, 5 Kacper Woryna, 6 Kenneth Bjerre, 7 Peter Kildemand, 8 Niels-Kristian Iversen, 9 Matej Zagar, 10 Mateusz Szczepaniak, 11 Josh Auty, 12 Hans Andersen, 13 Frederik Jakobsen, 14 James Shanes, 15 Josh Grajczonek, 16 Nicolai Klindt.