DANNY Ford feels Sam Hagon’s approach to racing could see him develop into a “fan favourite” at Poole Pirates.

The 19-year-old is set to feature at reserve for Pirates during the 2024 season, which gets underway at Wimborne Road against Oxford Cheetahs on March 29.

Hagon, who comes from good stock with father Martin and grandfather Alfred both having ridden previously, will also ride in the Development League again this year, with Belle Vue.

Discussing Hagon’s arrival at Poole, Pirates promoter Ford told the Daily Echo: “Sam really impressed us.

“He rode at Poole in that Swindon challenge meeting and impressed in that one.

“He then guested for us at Scunthorpe and I was really impressed with him, his work ethic and his whole mannerisms.

“Obviously we know, coming from the Hagon dynasty, he’s on probably some of the best machinery, so that’s never going to pose a problem.

“He’s got a great support base around him.

“A really, really nice, enthusiastic kid and I genuinely feel that he could be one that the Poole fans take to because he isn’t too shy and hopefully his all-out racing style can make him a bit of a fan favourite.”

Hagon has been getting plenty of bike time during the off-season, travelling to Australia over the winter.

He told Pirates’ website: "It has been really good to get these meetings under my belt this winter.

“It definitely makes a huge difference when you haven't been off the bike. It keeps you fit and is good preparation for the season."

Alf Hagon is a name known to Poole fans of a certain generation, having ridden for Pirates back in 1965.

Asked about following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Sam said: "Well I would love to make my own path and score as many points as I possibly can and hopefully it will be better than him!"