Poole Speedway have received a significant boost ahead of the 2026 season after confirming that captain Zach Cook will remain at Championship level and continue to lead the Pirates for a second consecutive year.
The 26-year-old Cowra-born racer, who ended Poole’s memorable double-winning 2025 campaign with a 7.34 average, admitted that a return to the Championship had not originally been part of his plans. Speaking on the official Poole Speedway website, Cook explained:
“I am really happy to be back with Pirates for 2026. To be honest, I wasn’t originally planning on racing in the Championship next season. With other commitments I thought it might spread me a bit too thin.”
However, discussions with the club’s promotion proved decisive, with Cook revealing that the desire shown by management, combined with his connection to the club, ultimately swayed his decision. He added on the Poole Speedway website:
“But Matt and Dan were so keen to get me signed and the more we talked, the more it felt right. I love this club; I love the supporters and I still feel there’s some unfinished business here. I want to be part of helping Poole chase more success.”
Pirates promoter Dan Ford admitted that retaining Cook was a major priority once it became clear he was considering stepping away from the Championship. Ford told the Poole Speedway website:
“When Zach first told us of his plans not to do the Championship next season, we knew we would have to work on him as we were absolutely determined to get him back on board.”
Ford was full of praise for his skipper’s influence both on and off the track, adding:
“He is a fantastic captain, a brilliant team rider, leads by example and is very much someone who always delivers when the big meetings come around. Quite simply he is impossible to replace.”
The promoter also expressed his delight at seeing Cook continue to lead a strong-looking Pirates line-up into 2026, saying on the Poole Speedway website:
“We are absolutely delighted to have him back and leading the Pirates again in 2026, linking up with Richard (Lawson), Lewi and Will again.”
He concluded by noting that the club is pleased with its recruitment progress so far, with further continuity already secured:
“Along with Fraser (Bowes) and Dan (Gikes) we are happy with how our team plans have gone so far.”
Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway
