DANNY Ford is hoping Lewis Kerr can iron out the inconsistencies that saw him have an up-and-down campaign in the Skull and Crossbones in 2025 as he returns to the side for 2026.
Kerr was confirmed as the Pirates' fourth rider for next season last night, and the third returning rider from the double-winning team of this year.
He joins Richard Lawson, Will Cairns and new face Fraser Bowes in the team, on a 'bargain' average of 6.77.
But Ford believes there is more to come from Kerr and he is confident he will find form for the Pirates in 2026.
Lewis Kerr. (Image: Richard Crease)
He told the Daily Echo: "Lewi Kerr has genuinely always been a number one or five in any team he's been in.
"So we need him to be not necessarily stepping up but just ironing out those inconsistencies. He had a few meetings where machinery let him down.
"So if he could have sorted out his machinery issues for next season that will automatically put a substantial amount of points on the scoreboard.
"On that average dropping below a seven, he is a very valuable member of the team."
Kerr returns to Wimborne Road with a full season under his belt in Dorset, so Ford knows that experience at the Poole track will stand him in good stead for next term.
"He knows what to expect now, he knows the nuances of the Poole racetrack very well now," Ford said.
"He was great to deal with all last season. A really you know mild mannered and very kind person and, but he also gets really fired up when the occasion calls for it.
"So, I hope that Poole fans can really get behind him, it's good to see him returning."
With four of the seven riders now confirmed, Ford is pleased with how the team is coming together.
"Things are shaping up really, really well," he said.
"I believe that we're putting together a really strong team, a team that hopefully is going to challenge for silverware and help us retain our titles once again, much to probably everyone else's reluctance.
"But that's always the aim and the way that things are shaping up, I'm very happy with what we got so far."