PIRATES promoter Danny Ford described as “amazing” seeing the club finally turn a wheel in 2020 and added: “We will look to have our own sessions on our home track.”

The Wimborne Road outfit made the trip to Leicester to compete in a strictly behind-closed-doors practice session – with five of the Poole septet available to take part.

And Ford, who was in attendance at Beaumont Park to watch his new-look SGB Championship line-up, believes it put riders in the “right mindset” for if and when the league campaign can start.

Asked to describe seeing the session by the Daily Echo, Ford said: “Amazing.

“We were all really excited to see the boys on track and I know they were absolutely buzzing to do so.

“It was good for them to finally dust off the cobwebs and get a little more track time. I know some of them have already had a bit but any track time they can get at the minute is really important.

“We’ve been trying to be optimistic and positive about the whole situation and we are encouraging the boys to do the same.

“Allowing them to do this practice – finally get on the Poole kevlars - puts them in the right mindset. They hadn’t seen each other since we headed out to France at the beginning of March.

“We all keep in touch on the group chat but it was good for the guys to catch up, pass on some tips about setup of bikes and stuff – especially for the new Aussie guys – it’s really important.”

Ford has underlined the Dorset club’s commitment to the 2020 British campaign – whatever form it may take this season.

For now, Pirates have to remain patient for competitive action amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“As soon as we get an idea of when we will be getting that green light, we will look to have our own sessions on our home track,” said the promoter.

“It’s just a waiting game.

“But, from what the Prime Minister has said, things are moving in the right direction and it seems just a matter of time before we do get back. I just hope it’s not too late.”