PROMOTER Danny Ford believes new signing Sam Hagon has the potential to be a “real force” for Poole Pirates next season.

19-year-old Hagon becomes the second confirmed rider of Poole’s 2024 septet, following news of Ben Cook’s renewal and instalment as club captain last week.

Last term, Hagon made a guest appearance for Pirates away at Scunthorpe Scorpions, but will now become a permanent fixture at Wimborne Road.

In his first season riding in speedway’s second tier, Hagon averaged 2.8 points from 11 meetings whilst riding for Birmingham Brummies.

Of speedway stock, Hagon’s grandfather Alf Hagon raced for Pirates in 1965.

Commenting on the signing, Pirates promoter Danny Ford shared: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Sam to the team for 2024, he caught our attention a few times last season and it was great to see him in a Poole team environment at Scunthorpe.

“The way he fitted into the team so seamlessly on that occasion, mixing with all the lads was great to see and the whole team were so impressed with him.

“So, when the reduced points limit was finalised Sam was one of our first ports of call as we realised we would be looking for someone with his kind of average at the bottom end of the side and fill a reserve berth.

“I have to say the deal was done quickly and very easy with Sam as he seemed so keen to come to Poole, which is highly encouraging.

“One thing about Sam is that he is on fantastic equipment, as you would expect being a member of the Hagon dynasty and that is always a positive.

“He is so full of enthusiasm and a real race, and if we can just work with him on his gating skills throughout the year then he is going to be a real force, particularly down at reserve where he will be coming up against riders of a similar level of experience and it wouldn't surprise me if he became the best of them."

Hagon himself commented: "I was delighted to receive a call from Matt (Ford) asking me to join Poole for the 2024 season.

“I have always wanted to ride for Poole as they are a great club and have a great history of winning.

"I would love to hit the ground running and be scoring consistently, with a view to working my way into the main body of the team by the end of the season."