Pirates: Frantic Ford asks for MP's help in Hancock saga
7:00am Wednesday 31st July 2013 in Sport Exclusive By Andy Mitchell
PIRATES chief Matt Ford has enlisted the power of Parliament to aid Greg Hancock's race against time ahead of tonight's meeting with Coventry.
The prospect of Hancock making his home debut hangs in the balance as he waits for his passport to be returned to Stockholm following UK Border Agency checks over his visa application.
And with the clock ticking, Ford pulled out all the stops and contacted Poole MP Robert Syms in the hope that he could help ensure the Grand Prix legend's paperwork was completed and swiftly sent back to Sweden.
All of the boxes have been ticked but Ford is still unable to confirm whether the documents will reach the American veteran in time for him to fly into England for his Wimborne Road introduction against the Bees (7.30pm).
Ford told the Daily Echo: ?To be honest, we have done everything we can now. All the necessary paperwork is done and we know it will be back there for Thursday.
?There is still a hope that it will be there before then but we are not going to know until the last minute.
?We asked our MP Robert Syms for his assistance but, unfortunately, we haven't been able to reach him directly.
?His office confirmed that he had put a call in on our behalf but, at the moment, that is all we know. We just don't know what will happen.?
And Ford, who stunned the speedway world by persuading two-times world champion Hancock to stand in for stricken star Chris Holder, couldn't hide his annoyance at the potential hold-up.
He added: ?Greg spent most of Monday at different embassies in Stockholm to see if they would issue him a second passport, but these things aren't readily available these days.
?We are hopeful he won't miss out but it would incredibly frustrating if he did. He lives in Sweden, rides all over Europe and travels everywhere around in the Grand Prix, but cannot enter Britain.
?I have lost an awful lot of sleep battling against these things but we will find out over the next few hours whether he has his passport back.
?It is frustrating for Greg - he already has two mechanics over here - and for me, but we still have an incredibly important meeting going ahead where we can chase down the play-offs.?
Meanwhile, Hancock told the Daily Echo: ?We are hoping to hear by the middle of the day. I am supposed to be picking up my passport just before noon and if all goes well, I will be there ready and raring to go.
?Things have changed with work permits and, whoever you are, you have to work within the same rules as everyone else.
?All we can do is be honest and hope that they (the Border Agency) will work with us and help us. It is a real race against the clock.?
The Daily Echo was yesterday unable to contact Mr Syms.
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