GREG Hancock, who pulled off one of the most remarkable world championship wins last year, will ride in Shane Parker’s farewell meeting at Sheffield on Sunday, March 18 (5pm).

Hancock bridged a staggering 14-year gap by claiming the sport’s ultimate prize in 2011 at the age of 41.

The hugely popular Californian hasn’t raced in the Elite League since 2007 as he restricts his calendar to the Swedish and Polish Leagues and the Grand Prix series.

Parker, who won the hearts of Tigers fans with a brilliant season last year, is naturally thrilled with the news and he says more star names will follow in the weeks building up to the big day.

“I’m over the moon getting Greg to agree,” said Parker. “I think he started over here around the same time I started (they were just one year apart, Greg 1989, Shane 1990), and the year he had last year at this stage of his career was phenomenal.

“To be able to say he’s coming to do my farewell, well, I’m honoured to have him in my meeting.”

Gates will open at 3.45pm on March 18 and Parker is looking at plenty of side attractions too.

He said: “I’m looking at a few attractions and a bit of entertainment. I don’t want to deter from the meeting, but I’m a strong believer that there should be more than just your 16 heats or whatever, so I’ll try my best to put on a show and entertain the people,” he said.

“It will be the last time I’ll be over here at a meeting, so I want to be kind of remembered if I can.”

Sponsorship packages are available for Parker’s big day, either by telephoning Julie Reading on 07931-318401 after 5 pm, or emailing parkerfarewell@hotmail.com

Sheffield Tigers, sponsored by Sheffield Window Centre, have yet to confirm their fixture list for the new season but Premier League racing returns to Owlerton in March.