THREE-time World Champion Nicki Pedersen will make his UK return in the Northern Riders’ Championship.

This prestige meeting is back by popular demand and will be held at Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium on Thursday, March 26 (7.30pm).

All seven members of the 2020 Tru Plant Tigers will line up at the event, providing the perfect opportunity to get some valuable competitive racing under their belts ahead of the new season.

The Championship was last staged in 2010 with Ricky Ashworth coming out on top - other notable past winners include club legends Doug Wyer and Reg Wilson.

Sheffield boss and 2004 winner Simon Stead is delighted to see an event with such a rich history return to the calendar.

“It’s the perfect way to start a new era - the event has always been popular and we decided to listen to the supporters and re-introduce the Northern Riders’ Championship to the calendar.

“The club are also delighted to be supporting Todd Kurtz’s testimonial which I’m sure will be a fantastic night of racing - the line-up so far looks great.

“This will almost certainly be Nicki’s first meeting back and I urge fans to get this date in their diaries ahead of the new season.

“It’s a great way to prepare for the big Belle Vue derby meetings the following week - we can’t wait to get going.”

Club bosses can now confirm that they will host their press and practice session on Wednesday, March 18 with track action commencing at 6.30pm followed by a media session in the bar.

The first official meeting at Owlerton takes place on Thursday, April 2 (7.30) with local rivals Belle Vue the visitors in the Premiership Supporters’ Cup.