PIRATES co-promoter Danny Ford insisted the club remained “financially secure” despite not being able to begin their SGB Championship campaign.

The Wimborne Road outfit are yet to turn a wheel this season, while British Speedway has been suspended until April 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But, despite shelling out on pre-season costs in preparation for the new campaign, Ford said the club remained on a firm financial footing.

He told the Daily Echo: “We are financially secure at the minute because we’ve not got any outgoings in terms of riders’ costs or rent for the stadium – things like that.

“But obviously a lot of things have been paid in full before the season even starts like insurance, equipment and track preparation – which currently has all just been done a little bit in vain at the minute.

“But I am sure when the season does get up and running, we will hopefully see the benefits of it.”

Pirates had been set to begin their league campaign at home against Somerset on April 1 before the season was postponed.