DOUBLE World Long Track champion Erik Riss will race in Sheffield’s opening meeting of the season on Sunday week, March 24 (4pm).

German racer Riss won the title twice in three years and remains one of the leading racers in the super-fast sport.

He’s rejoined Premiership King’s Lynn for the new British Speedway season and his presence at Owlerton adds spice to what is already an exciting line-up.

Former Tigers rider Josh Auty, now of Scunthorpe, has also joined the field and he is sure to provide plenty of entertainment in the club’s 90th anniversary meeting.

Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “I’m delighted with the line-up, every rider we’ve spoken to has said how pleased they are to be riding in our anniversary meeting.

“Erik Riss is a class act, not only is he a world champion on the Long Track, but he’s a very good speedway rider.

“He will love riding around Sheffield I’m certain of that and it’s really hard to pick a winner.

“Josh is Josh, you know what you get from him, he never gives up and he’s pretty spectacular around Owlerton. He’ll be in the points for sure and he always seems to enjoy riding at Sheffield.”

The club have also confirmed Josh McDonald and Kyle Bickley as reserves and they will be guaranteed track time with some match races.

All seven Tigers riders signed up for the new season will feature and a bumper crowd is expected to welcome a new era of Sunday racing at Owlerton.

LINE-UP: Kasper Andersen, David Bellego, Ryan Douglas, Rory Schlein, Kyle Howarth, Drew Kemp, Zaine Kennedy, Lewis Kerr, Danny King, Todd Kurtz, Simon Lambert, Broc Nicol, Ty Proctor, Steve Worrall, Josh Auty, Erik Riss. Reserves: Kyle Bickley, Josh McDonald.