SGP3 SENSATION CAIRNS SET FOR UK PROFESSIONAL DEBUT WITH POOLE

SGP3 bronze medallist William Cairns is set to make his UK professional debut with Cab Direct Championship club Poole after signing an 18-month contract through to the end of 2026.

Pirates won the race to sign the former 250cc star, who finished third at this year’s FIM Speedway Youth World Championship event in Gorzow and is currently training in California with four-time Speedway GP world champion Greg Hancock.

Cairns can only compete in Britain’s National Development League until June 29, 2025, when he turns 16 and becomes eligible to race for the Pirates in the Cab Direct Championship. He can also join Zielona Gora’s Under-24 Ekstraliga side on this date, having already agreed terms with the Polish club.

Poole co-promoter Danny Ford is set to sign a stand-in rider until Cairns is eligible to take his place in the Pirates side but insists he will be worth the wait.

He said: “William Cairns is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in British speedway, and we are thrilled to have secured his commitment to the Pirates for 18 months. With multiple clubs vying for his signature, it speaks volumes that William has chosen Poole as the place where he feels he can best develop and improve in this crucial stage of his career.

“What he has already achieved in his young racing journey is nothing short of remarkable, and while it’s easy to get excited about his potential, we’re keen to manage expectations. 

“The step up to Championship racing is a significant one, and our primary focus will be on providing William with the support, guidance and environment he needs to thrive without undue pressure.

“Unfortunately, he won’t qualify for a league racing licence until he turns 16 on June 29, so we’ll begin the season without him. But we know he’s eagerly counting down the days, and when that moment comes, our supporters will undoubtedly give him the warmest of welcomes at Wimborne Road. We’re proud to be a part of William’s journey and can’t wait to see what he can achieve with the Pirates.”

Another British SGP3 star stepping up into club action is Cooper Rushen, who has been confirmed as part of King’s Lynn Young Stars’ National Development Trophy team for 2025.