Monday 2nd January 2012, 13:23

American star Greg Hancock has tipped new Piraterna team mate Chris Holder to follow in his footsteps and become “a contender for the world title in the near future.”

The world champion joins forces with the Australian champion at the Motala club to form a mighty spearhead as the Pirates bid to defend their Swedish Elitserien crown.

Holder admits he grew up idolising Hancock and his compatriot Billy Hamill, who became one of the greatest double acts in speedway history.

Now the Poole favourite, who joined Piraterna following Jonas Davidsson’s move to Dackarna, will hope to form a famous partnership with Herbie.

The Swedish-based Californian is convinced his arrival will make Piraterna even more powerful.

He said: “It’s great. It was a good move for the Pirates. I don’t know what happened in their talks with Jonas, but bringing in Chris Holder isn’t a disadvantage whatsoever. It’s a good move which will improve the club in many ways.

“I rate Chris very highly as many people know. I think he definitely got the potential to be a contender for the world title in the near future, so it’s going to be fun to ride with him, teach him what I can and learn from him at the same time.”

Hancock and Holder will are not short of back-up as World Under-21 champion Maciej Janowski, Polish brothers Przemyslaw and Piotr Pawlicki and Swedish racer Linus Sundstrom join them in the side.

The world champion is excited about the prospect of leading such a young and promising team into action.

He said: “We’re going to have fun at Piraterna for sure. They’re building for the future and they’ve got quite a young team with the exception of me. It’s going to be awesome and I can already feel the adrenaline rolling.”

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