Expectations high for Zabik

Pirates chief believes his new youngster can be a star

Last updated: 13th March 2008

Zabik: Credit Fotospeedway.pl

Related links

Teams

Poole Pirates

Also see

Poole Pirates chief Matt Ford believes new boy Karol Zabik can raise his average to 6.50 as he relaxes into his first full Elite League season.

The 21-year-old Pole moved to Poole Stadium at the end of last season with much expected of him.

He comes into the team on an assessed 5.00 point average for a new foreign rider and is expected to challenge Chris Holder for the third heat leader spot early in the campaign.

But Ford is urging the former world Under 21 champion not to risk points needlessly.

Advice

"Karol has achieved an awful lot for a guy who has spent a fair amount of time on the sidelines with injury," Ford told Bournemouth's Daily Echo.

"This guy really is a tremendous rider. He just needs to perhaps calm down a tiny bit because sometimes in speedway you just need to accept a second place.

"We had exactly the same words with Edward Kennett, who gave away crucial points because he didn't want to be second and wanted to be first.

"It is a lovely trait in a rider and Karol is exactly the same. He doesn't fear anyone, but he also respects everyone. He is a professional. He is quite something."

Prediction

The Pirates' first away match is at Lakeside on March 14, but Ford accepts the smaller circuits might hinder Zabik's prospects at first.

"I know there is a possibility he might not score," Ford said when asked about the Zabik's chances in the season opener. "It is a small track that will take him time to get used to, although he did win races at Eastbourne and Wolves on his first visits.

"This is a guy who excels on 400 metre Polish tracks but 260 metre circuits are going to take him a bit of time to get used to.

"I think Karol looks at England as a stepping stone to achieving his main goal which is qualification for the Grand Prix and becoming world champion, and were are quite happy to help him on his way to achieving those goals.

"He has a 6.50 season in him in his first full year in Britain."