'I do like a bit of Elton John!' - Lawson lifts lid on being the Rocket Man at Poole Pirates

Poole Pirates star Richard Lawson speaks to Total Guide to Dorset about his adoration for the club's fans.

Fan favourite Richard Lawson lifted the lid on his “awesome” Rocket Man moniker at Poole Pirates – and is eager to carry on being a smash hit on the south coast.

Dubbed the Rocket Man with the Pirates’ DJ playing Elton John’s 70s classic after a Lawson race win, it has very much become Your Song for the Poole number one.

And While I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues for Pirates over the past few weeks, with defeat in the SGB Championship play-offs and Knockout Cup, Whitehaven-born Lawson is keen to ensure This Train Don't Stop There Anymore for the Dorset club.

Quizzed on the nickname by Total Guide to Dorset, the 37-year-old said: “I’m enjoying it, it’s good. I've been called a lot worse!

“I think it was actually the DJ who came up with it and I’m not sure – because I was winning races, that makes you look fast I guess! He put two and two together.

“Elton John is cool, I do like a bit of Elton John so I am enjoying it. The fans get behind it and it’s awesome. I love it.”

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Anders Rowe, Steve Worrall and Kyle Newman have already been announced as departing Wimborne Road this winter – part of the Circle Of Life for riders as the Championship points limit is reportedly set to be reduced once more.

But Lawson, who is a Poole asset, is hoping the club’s promotion Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and I’m Still Standing with the skull and crossbones in 2024.

“I have really enjoyed it,” he added.  

“It’s such a professionally run club, the fans just take you under their wing. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Reflecting on his 2023 campaign, Lawson said: “Personally it’s been a good season for Poole and we finished at the top of the league - let’s not forget that.

“That’s a real honour to do that. We got to the final and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s just when you are getting so close and you don’t get it, it hurts a lot. It’s hard.”

Pirates’ season is now officially over after their Jubilee League final against Leicester Lions was twice postponed.

(Main picture: Taylor Lanning Photography)