WORLD Champion Jason Doyle will make a rare appearance at Sheffield for Simon Stead’s farewell meeting on March 25 (4pm).

Doyle won the sport’s top prize last October after another brilliant season and he’s now agreed to race for his former team mate.

Stead and Doyle were an integral part of the Swindon team which won the old Elite League title in 2012 and have remained friends since.

“It’s brilliant news and I can’t thank Jason enough,” said Stead, who is busy piecing together ‘SS The Last Lap’ after a glittering career.

“It’s also great for the Sheffield fans because they don’t get to see World Champions around Owlerton very often and I’m sure Doyley will put on a great show.

“He’s looking forward to riding on the big, fast track and it should be a memorable occasion for all the fans which is what I want it to be.

“I was personally delighted to see Jason win the title because I think he deserved it the year before when he got injured and that robbed him of the title.

“It’s also good news that he’s signed for Somerset and he’s staying in British Speedway. This is going to be a great way for us to start the season at Sheffield and I’ll have more rider news in the near future.”