PIRATES promoter Danny Ford revealed how witnessing reserve rocket Drew Kemp overcome Ben Basso twice at Wimborne Road last season “highlighted the potential he has at Poole”.

Three-time British under-19 champion Kemp last rode the Poole track for Edinburgh in the Championship Knockout Cup final back in October.

And although Pirates made light work of the Monarchs on the night, Kemp scored eight paid nine at reserve to catch the eye of Ford.

His two heat wins, in races two and eight that evening, both came after lining up against Basso, who controversially opted to join Glasgow instead of Pirates for 2022.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “When he (Kemp) last came down with Edinburgh in the Knockout Cup final, he ended up beating Basso twice.

“That performance highlighted the potential he has at Poole.

“I believe it’s a track he really likes and will continue to improve on. Hopefully that will give him good stead as he continues to project his career.”

Pirates have thus far brought in Kemp, Nathan Ablitt and Zach Cook as new recruits to freshen up their team line-up for 2022.

Asked whether he was always taking notes on opposition riders with a view of the following season in mind, Ford replied: “Absolutely, you have to keep that in the back of your mind because speedway changes year-on-year.

“You have almost got a completely different team every year, so you’ve always got to look at the opposition, see who rides your home track well in particular and make note of that.

“Drew certainly did, putting in some brilliant rides. To go out and beat Basso a couple of times was no mean feat.”