AUSSIE ace Brady Kurtz admitted it felt “weird” not being in Pirates’ line-up for 2020 but added: “All the best to them.”

The Cowra-born charger, who won the SGB Premiership title with Poole in 2018, has made the switch to Belle Vue for his British racing this season after Pirates dropped down to the Championship.

And Kurtz admitted it would be strange not to line up in the skull and crossbones this campaign.

“No-one is more surprised than me!” he told Speedway GP.

“I don’t really know what to say about Poole moving down. It’s a shame really.

“But all the best to them in whatever they need to do to keep the club going. If that’s what Matt (Ford) has to do, I hope it all goes well for him.

“It feels weird being somewhere other than Poole. But hopefully it all turns out well for everyone.”

Looking ahead to his season with the Aces, Kurtz added: “Belle Vue wasn’t necessarily the best deal but it was definitely the best option to come and ride on a track I like so much. I think that can help me the most in my career.

“Lemo (team manager Mark Lemon) and I get on pretty well too. We have been friends for years, so it’s nice being here with him.

“Hopefully the move all goes well because I am looking forward to it. I’m hoping to be better than I have been in the last couple of years. I think I definitely can be. I have worked hard over the winter.

“I think coming here is going to change my mindset a little bit. Hopefully that will be for the better. I am looking forward to racing here every week and enjoying it.”