SHEFFIELD skipper Kyle Howarth celebrates his testimonial on Thursday (March 14, 7.30) as the new season gets underway in South Yorkshire.

The Greater Manchester born racer first joined the club in 2016 and he has enjoyed some career highs ever since.

He has captained the Tigers to two league titles, one of which saw them crowned champions of British Speedway’s top division for the first time in their history last October.

Howarth has also been part of two Championship Pairs triumphs and has understandably become a firm fans’ favourite.

So it was no surprise that the 30-year-old opted to hold his testimonial at Owlerton Stadium which will see a Sheffield side take on a Rest of the World select.

Rider withdrawals mean the original team line-ups have had to be shuffled around with Tai Woffinden, Jack Holder and Chris Holder now all unavailable due to commitments on the continent.

It means Tobiasz Musielak will now make a return to Sheffield colours for one night only following his winter switch to King’s Lynn whilst Rory Schlein will again represent the club having had a short stint right at the front end of his career in the UK.

Meanwhile, Jye Etheridge, who was an unsung hero as a guest in last year’s Grand Final, will throw on the Sheffield race bib once again after agreeing to step in.

Howarth, Josh Pickering, Jason Edwards and Dan Gilkes will complete the home septet as regular Sheffield riders.

The Rest of the World select are led by current World No.2 Freddie Lindgren with seven-times Danish Champion Niels-Kristian Iversen included alongside Justin Sedgmen who was a runner-up in the Premiership with Sheffield in 2022.

Howarth admits he’s amazed by how quickly the event has come around and says he’s excited to get the year up and running.

Said Howarth: “When I was told I was eligible for this meeting, I remember thinking ‘ah it’ll be fine that’s ages away.’

“But the winter seems to have flown by like no other - and here we are!

“I want to thank all of the riders who have given up their time to be involved - I know these boys will put on a real good show for the supporters.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in speedway so far overall.

“I just love riding bikes and the day that enjoyment stops and the day I don’t get that buzz anymore is the day I’ll pack it all in.

“But for now, that buzz is definitely well and truly still here and I’m looking forward to what will hopefully be a great night and year ahead!”

Admission is £23 adults, £21 concessions (over 65s and students, both requiring ID evidence to be shown) with kids up to and including the age of 17 just £1 while all under-5s are admitted free. A reminder that season tickets are NOT valid for this fixture.

A special souvenir raceday programme has been published for the event reflecting on Howarth’s career and will be available for £5 trackside.

SHEFFIELD: Tobiasz Musielak, Kyle Howarth, Rory Schlein, Jye Etheridge, Josh Pickering, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.
REST OF THE WORLD SELECT: Freddie Lindgren, Erik Riss, Justin Sedgmen, Michael Palm Toft, Niels-Kristian Iversen, Jake Allen, Simon Lambert.