SGP2 star Slater Lightcap makes his British speedway debut on Wednesday night after signing for Cab Direct Championship double winners Poole.
Lightcap was handed a permanent wild card for the FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship and has taken the competition by storm, scoring 23 points from the first two rounds, leaving him just a point off the podium going into the series decider – the Deluxe Homeart FIM SGP2 of Denmark – Vojens on September 11.
His heroics in the sport’s top junior competition have turned heads across the continent and Pirates have made their move, snapping him up as a replacement for injured Aussie rider Fraser Bowes.
A delighted Lightcap, who debuts at home to Scunthorpe on Wednesday, said: “This is an awesome opportunity for me and my career. I’m super stoked. When Poole reached out to me, I couldn’t say no. I’ve only heard amazing things about the club, and I can’t wait to come to England!
“I’d like to thank (promoters) Matt and Danny Ford for all their help getting me sorted in the UK for this to happen! I’m super excited and can’t wait for the first meeting and to see all the fans!"
Danny Ford is backing Greg Hancock-trained star Lightcap to thrive in the reserve role. He said: "We are delighted to have found a replacement for Fraser at last and, in Slater, I feel we have a rider more than capable of holding his own at reserve.
“Of course, it is a bit like last season when Will (Cairns) joined us once he was old enough and had to learn quickly. Slater more so as he is even less experienced on the British tracks, but his ability to learn is natural.
“He is just outside a medal position currently in the SGP2 and, of course, his connections with Greg will prove valuable. What better mentor could you have than a four-time world champion?
“Will has certainly benefited from Greg's experience and tutoring and, with the support of the Poole fans making Slater feel at home as a Pirate, I am sure this will be an all-round win-win situation.”