KING’S LYNN have wrapped up the sensational signing of 2021 world champion Artem Laguta.
Laguta, 32, will make his British debut for the Stars at home to Sheffield on Thursday night with former World No.2 Krzysztof Kasprzak axed in a dramatic team change.
The Russian-born Laguta, who lives in Poland and has a Polish passport and racing licence, won his first world crown in October, 2021, but has been barred from defending the title after the Ukraine invasion.
Lynn boss Alex Brady said: “I’m over the moon – I know other clubs have tried unsuccessfully to sign him this season but I went to Poland to talk to him and his manager face to face after he hinted he would be interested in racing in this country.
“He’s still banned from the world championship so has only been riding in Poland and wants to get more time on the track.”
Lynn are next to bottom in the Premiership table having won only two of their first six matches but his arrival is a major boost for the struggling Norfolk club.
Brady added: “Artem doesn’t speak a lot of English but he did tell me he couldn’t wait to get started and will arrive on Wednesday with all his machinery and mechanics.”
Lynn have made a double change, also agreeing a 28-day loan with Edinburgh for 24-year-old Kye Thomson, who takes over from club skipper and fellow Australian Josh Pickering who is in recovery from a shoulder injury.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.