PIRATES promoter Danny Ford insisted all three of Poole’s chargers in Danny King, Richard Lawson and Steve Worrall had the chance to win tonight’s British final and book their place as a wildcard for the British Grand Prix.

King won the event in 2016, while Worrall was second behind Craig Cook at the meeting a year later.

Lawson’s best finish came during the COVID-impacted season of 2020, where he finished as runner-up behind Aussie Rory Schlein.

With favourite Dan Bewley in the field already occupying a GP place, the top non-Grand Prix rider will earn a place at the Cardiff showcase on Saturday, August 13.

Pirates promoter Ford is set to be in attendance in Manchester this evening.

He told the Daily Echo: “They have all got potential to try to win that.

“Danny King is a former British champion and for Steve it’s his old home track. Lawson is in the form of his life.

“All three of them have got a chance, obviously it’s going to be very tough and Belle Vue is a brilliant race track but they have got to go against the likes of Dan Bewley, who will be a hot favourite.

“But, of course, there is a lot riding on second as well. Whoever gets second, if Bewley wins, would be getting the British Grand Prix Wildcard, so there is a lot to play for.

“I’ll be going up there. Hopefully cheering on the boys and hopefully have someone to cheer on.”

Asked what it would mean to have a Poole rider back in the Grand Prix, Ford replied: “It would be fantastic.

“We would have Chris Holder, Darcy Ward and when Maciej Janowski was riding for us, we would always have a rider representing the Pirates in there.

“We haven’t had that for the past couple of years, but if one of those three is in it I’ll be all over it.”

  • Tickets for the Grand Prix in Cardiff on Saturday, August 13 are on sale now at fimspeedwaygpofcardiff.seetickets.com