The King’s Lynn Stars have finalised their top six for the 2026 Premiership season with the signing of Italian international Paco Castagna.
The 30-year-old showman joins the PSH Environmental Stars following a largely injury-free 2025 campaign spent with Birmingham, which marked his first full-time season at Premiership level. Castagna recorded an average of 4.13 with the Brummies, while also captaining Edinburgh to Championship play-off qualification.
Although relatively new to regular top-flight racing, Castagna is no stranger to UK speedway. Earlier in his career he gained experience with Sheffield and Ipswich, and has also appeared as a guest for Belle Vue, while his time with Edinburgh since 2022 has seen his Championship average steadily improve.
Highly regarded as one of the sport’s strongest team men, Castagna’s attitude and personality made him an ideal fit for the Stars as they shaped their squad within the 37-point limit.
Team manager Rob Lyon explained the thinking behind the move.
“We had just over four points remaining, and we’ve plumped for Paco mainly because of his experience,” Lyon said on the King’s Lynn Speedway website.
“King’s Lynn is a track he hasn’t mastered yet, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing and he’s prepared to knuckle down and get that right.”
Lyon also felt Castagna stood out among the available options.
“Given what else was out there for the amount of points we had left, we felt he was very much the best option for us, and I think he’ll be a popular signing,” he added via the King’s Lynn Speedway website.
The Stars boss believes Castagna’s character will be a major asset both on and off the track.
“Paco is a character, and we need characters in our sport, we’ve not got enough of them as it is. He plays to the crowd and I also think he’ll be good for the younger riders at the lower end of the team,” Lyon said on the King’s Lynn Speedway website.
Castagna completes a top six which already includes Max Fricke, Jan Kvech, Chris Harris and Ben Cook, with teenage prospect Cooper Rushen confirmed at reserve. The Rising Star position is expected to be announced early in the New Year as the Stars prepare for a renewed push for major honours in 2026.
Stars Top Six (2026):
Max Fricke 9.89, Jan Kvech 6.91, Chris Harris 6.53, Ben Cook 6.39, Paco Castagna 4.13, Cooper Rushen 3.00
Total: 36.85 (Points limit: 37.00)
Feature Image courtesy of Kings Lynn Speedway
