POOLE Speedway paid tribute to Pete Lacey after the club stalwart had lost his battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Lacey had been a long-serving member of the club’s medical team.

A Pirates statement read: “A real gentleman, Pete played a large part in looking after the medical needs of all riders before, during and after racing at every home match.

“Highly professional in his duties, Pete’s presence in the pit area had a calming effect in those dramatic moments following incidents on and off the track.

“His medical knowledge, coupled with his instinctive understanding of any rider’s needs following a high-speed crash made him the man that the riders preferred to turn to in their moment of need.

“The forged partnership of Pete and former track doctor Dr Nigel Sharp was a benchmark at Poole for many years.

“And it was not only with the riders that Pete showed his medical prowess. When one member of the Poole track staff had a heart seizure in the pit area prior to a league match, Pete instantly diagnosed the problem and administered the correct treatment which ultimately saved the man’s life.

“A very knowledgeable speedway fan, Pete fully understood more than most the dangers faced by every rider while racing and acted accordingly.

“But this was only a part of his make-up as Pete had a very dry sense of humour and could be relied upon to break the tension and drama with a well-placed observation that would have everyone laughing.

“He will be sadly missed by his many friends, including the riders, when the tapes go up on the new season at the end of the month.

“Poole Speedway extend their condolences to Pete's family.”