King’s Lynn have finalised their National Development League line-up with the addition of Connor King, meaning six of the seven riders set to represent the club this year have local links to the Adrian Flux Arena.
King returns to NDL competition after a brief spell with Belle Vue in 2025 when he stepped in as injury cover. His route into the sport came later than most – he made his league debut at the age of 20 with the Isle of Wight in 2019, before further opportunities arrived with Kent across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
After time away for personal reasons, the chance to build a full campaign from the outset proved too good to refuse when the Young Stars came calling.
Speaking to the club’s official website, King said:
“When King’s Lynn asked me about coming to them, I couldn’t really say no!
“I’ve been going to King’s Lynn for many years, since I was young. I started going when the likes of Kevin Doolan and Kozza Smith were there, so to now all of a sudden be riding for them is a bit crazy.
“It’s great to be part of such a local team, and I think that will help the fanbase. When I rode at Mildenhall there used to be a lot of people who came to watch, because they only saw me twice a year, so I think there will be a lot more people there with closer riders.
“Jason has told me to come in and enjoy riding again, and hopefully do what I need to do.
“I know pretty much all of the other riders, really apart from the reserves, although I’ve seen Kenzie a couple of times at Mildenhall, and I’ve heard good things about Ollie too.”
Team manager Jason Pipe believes King has plenty of room for growth and is eager to see him rediscover his enjoyment on track.
Pipe told the club website:
“Connor is a rider who many think has been around the speedway scene for quite a few years now, but in fact he’s only ridden in 38 NDL meetings since 2019!
“He was a rider I was wanting to bring into the Young Stars team last season, but unfortunately his average was just slightly too high on 3.39, when I only had 3.18 to play with.
“I’m so pleased for him that I’ve been able to bring him in this season. Another local rider and now we go to the tapes with six of the seven riders being local to King’s Lynn, which should appeal to the spectators.
“I know the riders are happy riding for their local club and it can also benefit riders with sponsorship, which I know it already has with one or two from speaking with them.
“I believe Connor is on a false average and I do believe we will see him up this in 2026 and he’ll start to enjoy racing his bike again. Being in a team from the very start makes Connor feel wanted and he’s told me that he likes the King’s Lynn track.
“I’ve had a good chat with Connor and I’ve explained to him that there is very little pressure on him and we are going to get him enjoying his speedway again. All I’ve asked from him is to go out and aim to pick up those third places in each of his rides.
“I’ve told him he needs to be listening to what Simon Lambert tells him, because it will all be good advice, which Connor knows he’ll benefit from.
“Connor is serious about racing again and last year he upgraded his machinery by buying two bikes from a Premiership rider. Those bikes are in tip top condition and he’s no excuses there, so it’s now up to Connor himself where he goes from here. This is his chance now and he needs to grab it with both hands.”
The move completes the Young Stars’ declared one-to-seven, with the management confident the blend of home knowledge and potential improvement will stand them in good stead for the campaign ahead.
Young Stars 2026: Simon Lambert 9.20, Jake Mulford 8.67, Mickie Simpson 8.42, Jacob Clouting 7.03, Connor King 3.39, Kenzie Cossey 3.25, Ollie Binns 2.00 – total 41.96.
Feature Image courtesy of Kings Lynn Speedway