PIRATES spearhead Brady Kurtz hailed the influence of Leigh Adams and Jason Crump on his career and admitted it was "pretty cool" to have the duo in his corner.

Kurtz, who is also riding for Leszno and Vetlanda this year, says he is grateful for the advice and help of Swindon legend Adams and triple world champion Crump – both former Pirates stars.

The 21-year-old, who bagged a 15-point maximum against Belle Vue on Wednesday and faces the Aces again tomorrow, told the Daily Echo: "I met Leigh when I was about 10 or 11. I was at his training school on the junior bikes – the 125ccs.

"I did heaps with him when I was younger and he took an interest in me and followed me all the way up through the junior ranks.

"He was always helping me and once I turned senior, he could see I was going to be all right.

"He was the one who spoke to Matt Ford and got me in at Poole. He rode for Leszno for many years and was good mates with the boss, and he set me up with him.

"He has helped me so much, him and Jason Crump, Jason more in recent years because he was racing longer than Leigh.

"Jason has done a lot with the bikes for me and a lot of stuff with engines, which has been good. If there is someone you are going to listen to, it's going to be him.

"He has had a massive influence on my senior career. He was the one who set me up to go to Vetlanda.

"I've had a fair bit of help along the way which I am grateful for. It's good to have guys like that behind you.

"I grew up watching the GPs on TV and now that I know them, it's pretty cool."