KYLE Howarth has described Lee Richardson as the “ultimate professional” as Poole and Lakeside prepare to unite in his memory.

The world of speedway has been mourning the 33-year-old following his untimely death from injuries sustained in a crash in Poland on Sunday.

Grief-stricken riders from Pirates and Lakeside will tonight come together in what will be an emotionally-charged meeting at Wimborne Road (7.30pm).

Richardson, who leaves wife Emma and three young sons, rode for Poole in 1996 and 1999 and had skippered Hammers to the top of the Elite League this season.

Howarth, who will line up for Pirates in a doubling-up capacity, told the Daily Echo: “Lee’s death was a huge shock to the system and it hasn’t really sunk in yet. He was an amazing guy and it is a pleasure and an honour to have known him.

“I rode with him in practice at Lakeside at the start of the season and he always wanted to help me. He told me never to be afraid to ask him for advice and guidance and said he would always be there for me.

“As I am young and British, Lee always wanted to see me do well. He was great for speedway and great for Britain. He wanted to see the youngsters come through and just wanted the best for British speedway.

“I always looked up to him and will continue to do so. He was a great rider, he was smooth around the track and such a good gater. As a youngster, you couldn’t fail to learn from him.

“If any young rider wanted someone to look up to, you would always pick Lee Richardson because he was the ultimate professional. Nobody ever had a bad word to say about him and, hopefully, I can do him proud in my career.”

Howarth, who was drafted in by Poole promoter Matt Ford earlier this month, was beaten into last place by Richardson during his debut heat when Pirates recorded a 48-42 win at Lakeside just 12 days ago.

Signed from the Bournemouth Buccaneers in 2010, Manchester-based Howarth acknowledges Pirates’ clash with Hammers is likely to be a sombre affair.

The 18-year-old said: “Everybody connected with speedway is understandably on a huge downer at the moment. What happened on Sunday was terrible and our thoughts and condolences are with Lee’s family.

“I don’t think anybody really wants to ride because it is going to be impossible to not think about what happened. We will just do our best, battle on and try to do Lee proud.

“From my point of view, although I am excited and looking forward to the meeting, what happened to Lee has taken the edge off it.”

Pirates will use rider replacement for Dennis Andersson, who is involved in the Swedish Championships in his homeland.

Mateusz Szczepaniak, meanwhile, comes in for Ricky Kling who is also racing in Sweden.

Howarth is preferred over Todd Kurtz in the second reserve berth.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Sam Masters, 3 Darcy Ward, 4 R/R Dennis Andersson, 5 Adrian Miedzinski, 6 Mateusz Szczepaniak, 7 Kyle Howarth.

Hammers: 1 Peter Karlsson, 2 Stuart Robson, 3 Kauko Nieminen, 4 Davey Watt, 5 R/R, 6 Robert Mear, 7 Richie Worrall.