IT'S CHRIS-MAS

2012 World champion Chris Holder will be back in Pirates' colours again in 2015. The popular Aussie last rode for Poole back in May having served the Pirates early season before making way for Darcy Ward. With just a shade under 2,500 points for the Pirates Holder is the 7th highest point score for the Dorset club in it's history

Poole boss Matt Ford expressed his great delight in announcing Holder - the first of his main team riders - for the title defence campaign saying "Chris has his heart and soul right here in Poole and having him back is great news for us as a club.
Since winning his world title back in 2012 he has suffered a rough time with injuries but has bounced back well and I am really happy he has expressed his wish to return to us."

"Riders of his calibre are of a premium and I am honoured that he has pledged himself to Poole. Not only is he awesomely talented he is a great guy too and I am sure the news that he is back will be a most welcome Christmas present for our fans.

The South Coast resident will be joined in the Poole camp by another rider who has roots with the town, as alongside the Holder announcement, comes the news that Dakota North will be a 2015 Pirate.

Dak's parents met at Poole Speedway with his mum hailing from the town before settling down in Australia with former rider Rod North. Since coming to England in 2009, aged then just 18 years of age, Dakota has gained experience with Mildenhall, Newcastle, Somerset, Peterborough, King's Lynn, Glasgow and more latterly Swindon.  

Of North, Ford said "I selected him as a guest on a couple of occasions and he settled in so well. He was a real pleasure to work with and I am delighted to be able to bring him in for next season. He has a very sensible head on his shoulders and can certainly be a key player for us."

Holder and North join Elite Fast Track reserves Kyle Newman and Paul Starke as confirmed starters for the Pirates with three berths still to be filled.