AUSTRALIAN racer Ben Cook described as a "steep learning experience" his first year in the SGB Premiership.

Cook made his top-flight bow with Peterborough Panthers last season and showed rapid progress as he adjusted to the new tracks.

With the Panthers unable to race in 2024 with their Showground home unavailable, Cook, who will also ride for Poole Pirates as captain in the Championship, has been snapped up by the Belle Vue Aces.

 “I took a lot of positives from 2023,” said Cook.

“It was a steep learning experience, racing against riders who are not only experienced at that level but who are World Championship contenders.

“That’s who I need to be competing against if I want to improve and I think I showed what I’m capable of in how I grew from the start of the season to the end of it.

“When I got the call from Lemo (Mark Lemon) it was a no-brainer for me to join Belle Vue. I’d had a few other clubs put out the feelers, but this is where I wanted to be.

“I’ve guested a few times at the National Stadium and it’s such a cool racetrack.

“I’ve known quite a lot of the boys for a long time, especially Brady (Kurtz) and Jaimon (Lidsey).”