MATT Ford is urging British fans to give Mark Loram a send-off worthy of a world champion.

Poole’s promoter has confirmed the 2000 Grand Prix winner will stage his ‘Farewell to British Speedway’ meeting at Wimborne Road on March 30.

Ford said: “Mark only rode for Pirates for two years but he was immensely popular and still has many friends here.

“I also believe fans from all over the country, not just Poole supporters, will want to pay tribute to his achievements for British speedway by turning up on the night.

“Mark is planning one or two surprises and it’s going to be a fun event for everyone.”

Ford confirmed Pirates captain Davey Watt’s testimonial, in recognition of 10 years’ service to British speedway, will be at Poole on August 31.

With Kyle Newman having just secured a Pirates’ squad place, Ford has high hopes Poole asset Kyle Howarth, 16, can follow suit in the future.

Ford added: “They’re two young British riders I believe can have big futures in the sport.

“I’m just hoping I can get Kyle Howarth fixed up with a Premier League club this year.

“He can go out on a short-term loan to anyone willing to give him the opportunity and they’ll be no loan fee.

“If Kyle Newman rides for us at seven, I’m looking at him in the same way as Lee Richardson.

“Lee, although he had a very low average for Poole in 1996, made the most of his baptism of fire, learnt a lot and came back to us and got a seven-point average in 1999 as my first signing after I took over the club.”