British talent Cooper Rushen will make his British Premiership debut with King’s Lynn in 2026.
Rushen, who finished fifth in the FIM Speedway Youth World Championship in Prague this year, helped King’s Lynn’s Young Stars side win the 2025 National Development Trophy.
He had already been confirmed as a starter for British Championship double winners Poole for 2026 and will now double up between the top two divisions, entering on a 3.00 average and not as a Rising Star. The Essex racer cannot wait to compete for the club where he has honed his skills.
In a video on the club’s Facebook page, he said: “Contract No.2 has been signed, and this is one that I am really excited to announce. It’s a club that has been a massive part of my journey up to this point and I cannot wait to get on track. It’s going to be a big step – that’s for sure – but we’re going to learn from every point of it and I am excited to get on track with my new teammates.
“I want to thank all the people who made this happen – the club I will be signing for in 2026 in the Premiership will be the King’s Lynn Stars.
“This is a club I have been at since I was 12 years old, and it has been a dream of mine since then. To make it happen now is quite surreal. It’s going to be a crazy year – very busy. I just want to thank Buster (Chapman), Dale (Allitt) and Rob (Lyon) for making this happen and for getting me here.
“I can’t wait to see everyone here next season and I can’t tell you how excited I am. Let’s get going for 2026.”
Despite the fact Rushen is not old enough to race in the Premiership or Championship until he turns 16 on March 29, King’s Lynn team manager Rob Lyon insists the talented teenager is ready for the opportunity. He said: “It is a big move but having spoken at length with Cooper and his dad, it’s a move that they are comfortable with, and so are we.
“Cooper is one of the brightest prospects this country has produced in the last few years. We know about a few who have already come through, but he’s another one on that production line and we’ve seen enough of him at King’s Lynn over the years to realise the potential that’s there with him.
“I have no major issues in terms of him being able to cope with that position in the team. I feel he has the right temperament and personality, and to be honest it’s quite exciting to see how far he can go! I’m sure riding with better riders, and against better opposition, will bring him on even quicker, and I certainly don’t see it as ‘sink or swim;’ I see it as a great opportunity for him.”