PIRATES fans are going to get an early chance to see 'mystery' asset Pepe Protasiewicz ride at Poole this year when he takes part in Magnus Zetterstrom's Testimonial next month.

The 30-year-old Pole and former Grand Prix star joined the Dorset club's growing list of assets in July last season from Peterborough's former owners at the same time as Ryan Sullivan.

But unlike the Aussie, who will line up for RIAS Pirates this year, Protasiewicz has been loaned out to Ipswich for the campaign.

That's because his average of 8.17 is too high to fit into Poole's team for this season.

So Pirates fans will have to wait at least another year until they might see the Pole in their side in a situation reminiscent of when Lars Gunnestad signed for Poole in 1991 but didn't ride for them until 1993.

However, Protasiewicz - who gave British Speedway a miss last year - will be performing at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, March 30 in Zetterstrom's big night.

He will line up in a 20-heat international four-team tournament and then hope to feature in the semi-final and final of an individual event for the top scorers in the four-team event.

In all there will be 23 heats of racing on Zetterstrom's big night, which will mark his 10-year's service to British speedway since he signed as a Pirates asset at the beginning of 1996.

Zetterstrom, who led Poole to a league and cup double last year, said: "Pepe riding in my testimonial gives Pirates fans a good chance to see him in action at Wimborne Road.

"He is a Poole asset now and a key figure in the club's future, so it is ideal for him to have an early run out on the track this season.

"We rode together in the same team at Peterborough a few years ago when I was on loan with the Panthers and struck up a good friendship.

"Pepe and I are going to ride in the same team in the Swedish League this year, Indianerna, so he is someone I know well."

Leigh Adams, who helped Pirates to a treble in 2003, will be another popular rider appearing at Wimborne Road in Zetterstrom's benefit meeting.

Craig Boyce, Andreas Jonsson, Bjarne Pedersen, Antonio Lindback, Sullivan and Zetterstrom, himself, are also confirmed starters.

Zetterstrom, who might be making his only appearance at Poole this season after signing on loan for Somerset, said: "I am pleased with the way the line up is going.

"Leigh is a top class rider and it is always great to see him ride. I'm grateful to him and all the other riders who have confirmed they will be taking part on March 30.

"We have Tony Steele as the referee and that is great.

"He is the top referee in England. I rang him up to see if he would do it and he was more than happy.

"It is great to get a GP referee doing it for me.

"I've spoken to a lot of other riders but they haven't been able to confirm whether they can take part until after they have seen the fixture list, which is due out any time.

"It has been a lot of hard work putting the line up together and when it is complete I think my meeting will be like a small World Team Cup Final."

Zetterstrom will be answering questions from supporters at a Pirates Equipment Fund event at Poole Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm).

He will take part in the open forum alongside British Speedway Promoters' Association president Terry Russell, Pirates co-promoter Matt Ford, team manager Neil Middleditch and rider Ricky Ashworth.

Tickets are £3 per person and available at the door.

Part of the funds raised on February 9 will go towards Zetterstrom's benefit.