PIRATES star Grzegorz Walasek will take his place in the 2002 World Championship Grand Prix series.

The 25-year-old Pole did not qualify automatically, but he was one of six riders to be awarded a nominated place into the event at the end of last month.

At the time, Walasek - who was a big hit with Poole in his first full season in the British League - stressed he was not sure whether he would, in fact, accept his GP slot.

But the Krosno Odrzanskie-born rider has decided it was an opportunity too good to turn down and will take his place in the new-look 10-round series.

Walasek had wanted to take time out from his hectic racing schedule in England and Poland before making his final decision.

He needed time to work out the full financial implications of riding the GP but not in the Sky Sports Elite League after it was made clear Tony Rickardsson would be Poole's one GP rider next year.

Pirates co-promoter Matt Ford said: "Greg has decided to take part in the GP and as a GP rider will be unavailable to us for the 2002 domestic season.

"I must admit I had hoped he would take the decision to give the GP a miss next year which would have let him continue to race for us in the Elite League, but it would seem that is not the case now.

"It's a great shame for the club as Greg was certain to have kept his place in the Poole side, and had built up a great following among our supporters."

Ford, meanwhile, has confirmed Poole's second Pole from last season, Krzysztof Cegielski, is being sought after by another Elite League track.

The 21-year-old, who made an even bigger impression than Walasek at Wimborne Road in 2001, can not return to Pirates because he has also accepted his nominated GP place.

Ford would not reveal which club had made an enquiry to take Cegielski on loan, but it is believed Eastbourne are the most likely side.

They are losing long-time number one Martin Dugard, who has retired from racing, and Cegielski would certainly fit the bill as his replacement.

Indeed, the Pole performed well at Arlington on Poole's visits this year.

Ford said: "We have received an approach for Krzysztof Cegielski and I am confident he will find a place with another Elite League club for 2002.

"This will mean we will be without both of our Polish riders. However, I would like to make it clear both of these riders remain Poole assets and still have a great future with the club."

Mike Noble is running a Pirates' supporters' club coach to the Brighton Indoor Bonanza on Sunday, December 9.

Poole asset Magnus Zetterstrom is taking part in the event.

The coach departs Poole Stadium car park at 10am and the cost of a seat is £15 per person.

Tickets to go into both the afternoon and evening meetings cost £24 in total.

For more details, contact Mike Noble on 01202 387872 or send an email to (nobby@care4free.net).