THE countdown is on to the biggest event in the Premier League calendar at Sheffield Speedway this Sunday (5pm).

The Premier League Riders’ Championship features the top rider from all 14 clubs, plus the two best performing riders who are second in team averages.

And Sheffield have two qualifiers for the showpiece meeting with Shane Parker and Ricky Ashworth in the line-up.

Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart is predicting a wide open race for the title.

Said Hoggart: “In our own team this year we have seen the rivalry develop between Shane Parker, Josh Auty and Ricky Ashworth as they have focused on a place in this year’s competition.

“Sheffield are indeed fortunate to have two representatives and Josh Auty is personally choked that he has missed the cut this year.

“We have the best field available, riders who have all beaten each other around the Premier League circuits and whilst many of us would like to see Shane Parker retire at the very top we may as well paint a target on his racesuit as there are 15 others who will do their damnedest to prevent that.”

* FANS are reminded there is no meeting at Owlerton on Thursday night because of the PLRC taking place on Sunday.