LEICESTER are pleased to announce the signing of youngster Jordy Loftus as their new Rising Star for the 2027 season.
The 17-year-old hails from Queensland, Australia, but has a British passport and has been eligible to compete at Development level in the UK since he first appeared on these shores last year.
The majority of his racing has been with Edinburgh at both Championship and NDL level, but he does already have links with Leicester having appeared in two matches for the club’s Fox Cubs team in the National Development Trophy last year.
And he was on track at the Hydroscand Arena in the final meeting of 2026, scoring 11+1 from five rides in an away win for the unbeaten Edinburgh Monarchs Academy in the NDL.
He had already been confirmed as a returning rider for Edinburgh in the Championship next year after good progress throughout his first full season, and now he’s looking forward to taking his opportunity in the top-flight.
Loftus said: “I’m incredibly proud and excited to have been selected for the Premiership Rising Star programme with Leicester for 2027!
“I’ve always enjoyed racing at Leicester and have had some great success around the track, so I’m really looking forward to making it my home track in 2027.
“The supporters have always been fantastic whenever I’ve raced there, and I can’t wait to be part of the club, represent the Lions and hopefully give everyone plenty to cheer about next season.
“I’m ready for the challenge to learn heaps and I’d like to thank Paul, Stewart and Jen for the signing. Bring on an exciting 2027 season!”
Loftus joins Ryan Douglas and Sam Masters as confirmed starters for the Lions in 2027, with further team news expected to follow next week.
The full British Speedway statement regarding Rising Stars is below:
NEXT season’s ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Rising Stars have been selected – and five up-and-coming riders will be making their full-time debuts in the top-flight of British Speedway.
Revised eligibility criteria for 2027 ensured there would be several newcomers with four of last season’s Rising Stars now outside the programme due to age and/or performance.
Clubs were afforded protection on their existing Rising Star should that rider be remaining in the programme for next season, and this option was taken up by King’s Lynn who will retain British Under-19 Champion Jody Scott.
Meanwhile Luke Harrison, who rode for Northampton this year, would have fitted the eligibility criteria, but has elected to step out of the Rising Star programme to pursue another opportunity elsewhere.
With the selections then being made in reverse order to the final league rankings from 2026, this meant the Foxes had first choice from the list of available riders.
The Foxes elected to take Ace Pijper, with Vinnie Foord then joining Ipswich and Leicester choosing Jordy Loftus.
That left the two Grand Finalists from 2026, with Sheffield moving for Ryan Ingram whilst Freddy Hodder has joined defending champions Belle Vue.
2027 RISING STARS
King’s Lynn – Jody Scott
Northampton – Ace Pijper
Ipswich – Vinnie Foord
Leicester – Jordy Loftus
Sheffield – Ryan Ingram
Belle Vue – Freddy Hodder
