Starke keen to 'keep the silverware coming' to Poole Pirates

Experienced Paul Starke insisted rejoining Poole Pirates for 2025 was a “no-brainer” for him, as he hunts more silverware at Wimborne Road.

The 34-year-old has signed for the Pirates on a 3.36 average, giving him a place in the reserve berths.

Starke rode for Poole in their top flight seasons of 2015 and 2017, while also making a brief, one-match appearance in 2018 as emergency cover for the injured Nicolai Klindt.

He featured in three meetings as a guest for the Wimborne Road outfit last season, scoring paid 22 from 14 rides.

And now he is back permanently as part of the Poole septet, the Hereford-born racer is keen to get going.

Speaking at the Pirates’ press and practice day, Starke said: “I know my way around, so it’s good to come back!

“I have always been fond of racing here and we’ve had a lot of success in the past over those years, so it was a no-brainer for me. I can’t wait to give it a go.

“I just want to enjoy it again. I felt like I started to enjoy it at the end of last year and this is the place for me that I can just come and have fun.

“Hopefully you will see the results on the track and I can get back to where I need to be and also keep the silverware coming to the club.

“I think the team we’ve got is fantastic and if we can all put in the performances we need to then there’s no reason why we can’t do that.  

“I just want to go and win races. I’m more than capable of doing that.”

Poole begin their BSN Series campaign with a trip to Oxford on April 16, before hosting the Cheetahs on Good Friday.

(Picture: Taylor Lanning Photography)