King’s Lynn have laid down a major marker ahead of the 2026 Premiership season with a trio of significant announcements, confirming the return of Ben Cook, the senior debut of teenage sensation Cooper Rushen, and a blockbuster move for Australian Grand Prix star Max Fricke.
The PSH Environmental Stars’ rebuilding gathered pace with the news that Cook will return for a second season at the Adrian Flux Arena. The 28-year-old Australian endured a frustrating 2025 campaign after suffering a complex scaphoid injury in just his fourth league appearance, an issue which effectively sidelined him until the closing stages of the season.
Despite further setbacks during an attempted comeback, Cook showed his commitment by returning for the Stars’ final six matches once close to full fitness, scoring 53 points as Lynn finished the campaign strongly. His determination and transparency throughout the season clearly impressed the club.
Stars manager Rob Lyon admitted injuries prevented supporters from seeing the best of Cook last year.
“I felt we didn’t see the best of Ben last season because of the injury, and the timing of when it happened was really unfortunate,” Lyon said on the King’s Lynn website.
“But I think the fact that he came back and rode so strongly, albeit at reserve, having been slated for missing half of the season for the reasons that were published in our media, was testament to his commitment.
“Although he was a late starter to speedway, I do feel he’s got a lot more in the tank. On that average, I think there’s a lot more to come from him.”
Cook, a former multiple Championship title winner with Poole and a Premiership champion with Belle Vue in 2024, said he was delighted to be returning.
“I’m delighted to be back at King’s Lynn. It’s a track I genuinely enjoy riding and one that seems to suit my style, so it was something I was very keen to make happen,” Cook told the King’s Lynn website.
“My injury was a lot more complicated than initially thought, which made it a difficult period. I was pleased to be able to return later in the season and really enjoyed being back on the bike again towards the end of the year.”
Alongside Cook’s return, Lynn have confirmed one of the most exciting domestic prospects in British speedway will step up to the top flight in 2026. Cooper Rushen, just 15, will join the Premiership ranks after playing a key role in the Young Stars’ National Development Trophy success in 2025.
Rushen turns 16 on March 29, making him eligible for senior racing, and will begin the season at reserve for the Stars. Lyon believes the teenager is more than ready for the challenge.
“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,” Lyon said on the King’s Lynn website.
“Cooper is one of the brightest prospects this country has produced in the last few years.
“I feel he has the right temperament and personality, and to be honest it’s quite exciting to see how far he can go.”
Rushen described the move as a dream come true.
“This is a club I’ve been at since I was 12 years old, and it’s been a dream of mine since then, so to make it happen now is quite surreal,” he said via the King’s Lynn website.
“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’m excited to get on track with my new team-mates.”
The most eye-catching move of all, however, sees Max Fricke arrive at the Adrian Flux Arena as the Premiership’s leading rider. The Australian Grand Prix star joins from Leicester after three hugely successful seasons, during which he led the Lions to two league Grand Finals and a KO Cup triumph.
Fricke topped the Premiership averages in 2025 with a remarkable 9.89, nearly a full point clear of his nearest rival, and now gives the Stars a recognised No.1 for the first time in several seasons.
Lyon admitted the signing represented a shift in strategy.
“Once we were aware that Max was available, it was a no-brainer to make contact and see if we could do something,” Lyon explained on the King’s Lynn website.
“King’s Lynn have been without a recognised No.1 really on a permanent basis since 2019, so why not?
“I’m excited to work with him. He’s a nice guy, very professional and level-headed, and hopefully he can bang some points in for us like he has done for Leicester and others over the years.”
With Fricke, Cook, Rushen, Chris Harris and Jan Kvech already confirmed, the PSH Environmental Stars’ 2026 line-up is rapidly taking shape. One place in the top six and the Rising Star position are still to be finalised, with further announcements expected soon as anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
Images courtesy of British Speedway
