BEN COOK BACKED TO BECOME PANTHERS FAVOURITE

Peterborough co-promoter Carl Johnson is backing Aussie racer Ben Cook to make a fast impression at reserve as he debuts in the SGB Premiership.

Cook was confirmed as Panthers’ second signing for this year alongside 2022 SGP2 rider Benjamin Basso, and he will hope to prove a trump card at No.6 or No.7 at the East of England Showground.

Cook and Basso are very familiar with each other, having won an SGB Championship league and cup double with Poole in 2021, with Cook helping Pirates retain both trophies last year.

His aggressive, all-action displays sparked interest from a number of top-flight clubs, and while Panthers waited a long time to announce their 2023 riders, Johnson admits the club made their move early. He said: “I’m glad that we got him because there were others who were interested, but we made the move early doors and actually got it done a long time ago. It was good to get that in place.

“I think he’s going to be super-quick around the Showground, and reserve will be a good place for him to start.”

Johnson believes Cook will hit the ground running in Britain’s top tier. He added: “Ben was always a rider who everybody involved wanted to bring into the club, and from watching his races and talking to different people, he’s someone we feel can do really well in the Premiership.

“He’s quick, he’s lightweight and he’s certainly not afraid to put himself in positions. I think he will make himself a real fans’ favourite in the same way that Benjamin did last year when he came into the team.

“Ben is a talented motorcyclist, and I think it’s a good move for him, and obviously for us as a club. We know how the Australians love the Showground.

“We’re really looking forward to working with him. I’ve had lots of communication with him, everything is positive from his side, he wants to make the step up and he feels it’s the right time.”

Cook races his first meeting of 2023 on Tuesday, when he lines up in the opening round of the Australian Championship series at Adelaide track Gillman.

He takes on Speedway GP trio Jason Doyle, Jack Holder and reigning champion Max Fricke, plus the likes of 2012 world champion Chris Holder, Brady Kurtz, Sam Masters and Rohan Tungate.

Photo: Taylor Lanning