Poole Speedway star Ben Cook announces retirement

By Ben Thonholtz

After four seasons, lifting eight trophies in the process, and as captain of the 2024 treble, Ben Cook has called time on his career with the Poole Pirates.

(Credit- Lee Tyers)

The Pirates released a statement on X that read: “Captain Ben Cook announces with a heavy heart that he will not be returning as a pirate in 2025 as he wants to explore further opportunities in the sport.”

The Aussie driver joined the Pirates in 2020, after finishing fifth in the FIM Oceania Championship, however had to wait until the 2021 SGB Championship to make his debut due to Covid-19.

In that season, he helped the Poole Pirates lift the League and Knockout Cup double, and the following season, the 2022 Championship, was instrumental in helping Poole retain their League and Knockout Cup double crown.

And in 2024, he was made club captain at Poole, where he lifted the treble of the League, knockout cup, and the British Championship.

Cook is leaving on a high, after making the tough decision to leave the Pirates ahead of the 2025 season.

Poole Pirates superfan Craig Henson said Cook’s departure was “one of the worst kept secrets in Poole”.

He added: “I’ve been going to Speedway for a few years now, and loved watching Ben ride, absolutely class to watch as he leaves everything out on the track.”

“He will be missed but we wish him all the very best for the future. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate!”

PirateCast host Lee Tyers was pleased that Cook received such a good reception on social media following his announcement to pursue other opportunities.

He said: “He’s earned that reception after the year he’s had, after captaining the team to the treble.”

“I don’t quite think the Ben Cook and Poole Pirates love affair is over. He loves the Pirates and knows Wimborne Road inside out, and I’m sure if we were in the Premiership Division he would have stayed with us.”

“I’m hoping his departure doesn’t affect us too much. I still believe that we can achieve promotion in the 2025 season – and you never know, maybe Ben will come back if that happens!”