POOLE Pirates are set to celebrate one of their ever-popular riders, Richard Lawson, this weekend.

Lawson’s testimonial will take place on Sunday, September 1, at 5pm, and will see a Pirates select side take on the Roger Warnes All Star Select.

Danny Ford, Poole’s promoter, described Lawson as ‘a tremendous servant to British Speedway’.

He said: “His contributions to us at Poole have been nothing short of outstanding.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout to honour Richard and show our appreciation for everything he’s brought to the Pirates.

“He’s put together an excellent line-up thus promising a thrilling meeting and I am looking forward to celebrating Richard with all of you this Sunday!”

Lawson’s side has seen some late changes as Sam Masters and Anders Rowe have requirements in Poland.

His side will see Charles Wright, the Cook brothers, Sam Hagon, Adam Ellis and popular Wimborne Road performer Chris Harris alongside Lawson representing the Pirates.

The Stewart Dickson-managed opposition will feature Lawson’s Leicester teammates Ryan Douglas and Craig Cook, with Troy Batchelor, Josh Pickering, Lewis Kerr, Dan Thompson and another long-term Wimborne Road favourite, Scott Nicholls.

The racing will also be interspersed with demonstration heats from a quartet of junior riders: Cooper Rushen, Archie Rolph, Seth Norman and Charlie Southwick.