SPEEDWAY legend Greg Hancock is aiming to add the Elite League title to his glittering career achievements as he prepares to make his Pirates debut.

The 43-year-old two-times world champion was drafted in as a replacement for injured Poole captain Chris Holder in a shock signing by the Dorset club on Friday.

Hancock, who was secured on loan from Coventry on an 8.77 average, has not appeared in the Elite League since riding for Reading during the 2007 campaign.

But the Grand Prix star could make his return to British domestic racing with Pirates at Belle Vue tonight, subject to the necessary paperwork being finalised.

And he is hoping to end his wait for Elite League glory as Pirates bid to stay in the race for a play-off place.

In an interview with speedwaygp.com, Hancock said: “The fact I could help to cover Chris’s spot and the fact I was looking for some more races because I had done nothing in Denmark and the Czech Republic this year made me ready for a new challenge. It is awesome.

“Matt (Ford, Pirates promoter) says we are close to being in a play-off position and it would be nice to have that extra push. I hope I can supply that and help them get there.

"It would be awesome. I have never won the Elite League and, maybe, this gives me another shot at it.

“To get a title like the British Elite League would be great and I’d love to add it to the list. I will do my best to go in there and try to be a temporary Chris Holder for a while.

“Matt tried to bring me to Poole a number of times but it was probably more just me not being ready to go. He never gave up on the chance to get me in and this is great. I think he is pretty excited about it too.”

Hancock added: “I will come into the team and, like always, if people are open to advice, willing to let me in and happy to let me take what I can from them too, it will be a good working relationship.

"The guys in that team are pretty cool and easy-going. I don’t think it will be too difficult to fit in there and be at one with them. I think we will learn from each other and try to make a success out of it.”