LINUS DEAL COMPLETE

THE Volvo Cars Poole Pirates have completed their sixth signing for 2018, with Swede Linus Sundstrom joining the platinum season septet.

Pirates boss Matt Ford had already confirmed his desire to bring Sundstrom to Wimborne Road, but was forced to wait for the relaxation of Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Association (PZM) rules stating riders in the Polish Ekstraliga must only ride in a maximum of three European leagues.

The 27-year-old racer already had three deals in place in both Poland and his homeland, but is now free to don the skull and crossbones race jacket in the UK.

Avesta-born Sundstrom joins Kacper Woryna, Mat Szczepaniak, Chris Holder, Josh Grajczonek and Brady Kurtz in Ford's 2018 line-up and comes in on a 7.22 average.

Ford said: "The first rider I contacted after the AGM in November was Linus so it's been a game of patience to get this deal over the line.

"I'm relieved and excited by this signing and I feel we have a very competitive team to lead us into our 70^th anniversary year. I think it has captured the imaginations of our supporters, too, with a very positive uptake of season tickets.

"Linus is excited to join the club in its platinum season and I know he will fit in superbly with the other riders in this team. I think our supporters are in for a real treat watching him on the Poole shale."