PIRATES star Krzysztof Kasprzak has been called up for the Nordic Grand Prix on Saturday.

The Pole is second reserve for the world championship and will replace first reserve Martin Vaculik in Vojens after the Slovakian was admitted to hospital with high blood pressure.

Kasprzak – runner-up behind Poole Coastal Aluminium captain Chris Holder in last month’s British GP at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium - has confirmed that the PZM have granted him starting permission for Saturday's penultimate round of the series.

Kasprzak, who starred as Pirates ensured Elite League top-billing with a 47-43 win at Birmingham last night, said: “I am very happy to have been invited to ride in the Nordic Speedway Grand Prix at Vojens on Saturday.

“It's unfortunate that Martin is unable to take his place on the line but these things happen in speedway and I shall grab the opportunity with both hands.

“It will be a big challenge to finish on the podium like Cardiff, but I will be trying my hardest to make it happen.”

The 28-year old added: “I am really looking forward to riding at Vojens again. I have ridden there in the past and like the track a lot, but will have to be at my very best as I am riding against the very best in the world.

“I am sure that it will be a very tough meeting as there are no easy races, but it will stand me in good stead for the GP qualifiers at the end of the season."

Holder takes an eight-point world championship lead into Saturday's meeting, before the final round of the series in Torun on October 6.