Speedway ace Craig Cook has been dropped by King's Lynn just two meetings into the new Premiership season.

The Stars were hammered 58-32 at home to Wolverhampton on Thursday night and decided to axe their No1 rider, who is from Cleator, after he scored two points in the defeat.

The result was the club's worst on its own track for almost exactly 19 years.

The club management said: “There is no fallout with Craig and we sincerely wish him all the very best for the season ahead.

“We want Craig to go away and become the Craig we know he can be.

"He’s a great rider, but sometimes you have to make decisions which you feel are right for the club and for the rider.

“We will be finalising his replacement overnight and updating supporters accordingly.”

Cook, who is a former Workington Comets captain and also rides for Glasgow Tigers in the Championship, posted on his personal Twitter account following the surprise decision.

He said: "Huge thanks to @KLSpeedway for the opportunity and thanks to the fans for all the support. All the best for the rest of 2021."

Cook had tweeted after the club's first meeting about the effect of returning to racing after an extended break due to coronavirus.