KEVIN Smith knew how to race and it seems sons Aaron and Callum are chips off the old shale.

Kevin, a Poole Pirates cult hero during the eighties, retired from competitive speedway in 1987.

But his two boys – 15-year-old Aaron and 10-year-old Callum – are continuing the Smith tradition by starring for Poole in cycle speedway.

After getting the racing ‘bug’ following a chance visit for a birthday party at Harbourside Park, both the Smith siblings have gone on to shine for the Poole-based club.

Aaron regularly rides for the club’s South West League side, while Callum has raced in South West Division Two. Both riders have also had success at junior level.

In his first full season in the sport last year, Aaron clinched the under-14 Grand Prix title and is already eyeing the World Championships in Australia next year.

Dad Kevin, who was one of the most highly-rated English speedway riders of his era, said: “Aaron has been getting lots of opportunities in the team, even though he is only 15.

“He also entered the under-16 individual championship last year and was leading with one race to go, but ended up in a run-off for third.

“That was a bit out of the blue because he just entered that for experience, but, this year, that title is the main target.”

Kevin is hoping to secure sponsorship to help fund Aaron’s potential trip Down Under next year.

He said: “It’s tough financially already, but the Australia trip will be at least £2,500 just to get out there.

“We will have to pull all the strings possible to give him that opportunity.”

Any interested parties should contact the Echo on sport@bournemouthecho.co.uk.