PIRATES chief Matt Ford has confirmed their top rider Bjarne Pedersen escaped a nasty first bend crash with Jonas Davidsson without sustaining any broken bones.

Pedersen was forced to pull out of the Elite League Riders' Championship at Birmingham on Wednesday following the spill in Sweden on Tuesday.

But Ford is hopeful the Dane will have recovered in time to line up for Poole Castle Cover at Eastbourne in the Elite League on Saturday.

Speaking to the Echo yesterday, Ford said: "I spoke to Bjarne on Tuesday night after the crash and he said he was in no fit state to ride on Wednesday at Birmingham.

"He said he would take a few days off and do nothing but relax and see if he was ready for this weekend."

Ford, who could bring in a guest for Pedersen at Arlington because the rider tops Pirates' averages, added: "Bjarne hasn't phoned me yet and we'll just hang fire and see how he feels.

"He was really feeling the effects of the crash but fortunately he didn't break any bones.

"Bjarne was involved in the crash with Jonas which looks to have ended Jonas's season.

"Jonas is in hospital and won't be out for at least two to three weeks.

"Bjarne did walk away from the accident. But I spoke to Daniel Davidsson and he said Bjarne was in quite a state.

"The crash was absolutely no fault of anyone's. It was purely a first bend incident, which was very unfortunate.

"All our best wishes go to Jonas. He has ridden for us before and is still popular with all of us down here at Wimborne Road.

"Unfortunately, Daniel said that he can't see Jonas coming back this season."

Jonas, who had been riding for Smederna against Pedersen's Swedish outfit Vastervik, punctured a lung, broke a rib and also sustained internal injuries in the crash.

He is the second rider Pirates' main title rivals Lakeside have lost for the rest of the season as they already have Joonas Kylmakorpi sidelined until 2009.

Ford, meanwhile, has confirmed Pirates' legends Ken Middleditch and Pete Smith will be attending the official opening of the club's Hall of Fame at Wimborne Road on Monday.

The opening, which will also be attended by ex-Poole riders John Davis, Kevin Smith and Neil Middleditch, will take place in the back straight stand at the end of the Dorset club's home league clash against Peterborough.

Ford said: "It's going to be a great occasion and we hope as many fans as possible will stay on and attend the opening.

"All our current riders will be at the ceremony so it will engage both young and older supporters."