Cairns, who helped the Dorset club to the double last season after he joined the team following his 16th birthday in June, will be looking to make use of that experience to make a strong start this term.
Promoter Danny Ford is expecting a big season from the teenager, and he’s been putting in the hard yards over the season break.
“I know he’s been working incredibly hard on his fitness,” Ford told the Daily Echo.
Will Cairns (Image: Richard Crease)
“He’s a tall lad and he’s lost a substantial amount of weight, which for speedway riders, power-to-weight ratio is ever so important, particularly on the bigger racetracks.
“So I know he’s been working mega hard on that.
“He’s been to America, Australia, in the winter getting bike time and practicing his techniques under his mentor, Greg Hancock.
“So I’m really expecting big things from Will. He’s a very likable lad, a very talented lad, and he’s in for a big season, I believe.”
Will Cairns (Image: Richard Crease)
Reflecting on the half season that Cairns was in the Pirates team for last term, Ford said they knew it would be very tough for him to step up.
He explained, as mentioned previously, that the step from the National League to the Championship is perhaps the biggest riders will experience in their careers, and Cairns will have benefited from last season.
“Will’s now got half a season of Championship racing under his belt,” Ford said.
“He knows what to expect. He knows how tough it’s going to be.
Will Cairns (Image: Richard Crease)
“He’s under no illusions that he’s going to come in and score double-figure points home and away every week now, and that he’s got to fight for every point.
“So, I think that really will have done Will the world of good, that half a season last year. I’m confident we can see the best of Will Cairns.
“We all know he’s incredibly talented. He one of the most talked about British youngsters for an age. There was a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
“He lived up to the hype certainly at times. It’s now just getting that level of consistency. But with that half season under his belt, I’m confident we can see the best of him.”