CLUB captain Kyle Howarth is leaving Sheffield after eight years at Owlerton.
Discussions have been held between the two parties and an agreement has been reached which will see the outgoing skipper ride elsewhere in the 2025 ROWE Motor Oil Premiership.
Promoter Damien Bates said: “It wasn’t an easy conversation to have because Kyle is part of the furniture at Sheffield.
“He’s been a fantastic servant to the club, he’s always given it 100 per cent and he’s been a reliable rider for us more often than not.
“But we just felt the time was right and that Kyle going elsewhere next year would be good for both of us - and that was something he’s been feeling for a while also.
“Do I think this is the end of the road for Kyle at Sheffield completely? No - and I hope it’s not either.
“I’d love for things to fall back into place one day so that he can come back and go out with a real bang.”
Howarth, who staged his testimonial at Owlerton earlier this year, made almost 240 appearances for the club, scoring over 1900 points (over 2100 including bonus) over the course of eight seasons.
The Greater Manchester racer won two league titles with the Tigers, enjoyed two cup successes and was a part of the back-to-back Championship Pairs triumphs in 2017/18.
Said Howarth: “I’ve had such a good time with the club, made some very good memories and met a lot of great people.
“Since joining the club in 2016, they’ve always wanted to be successful so winning the Championship with them in 2017, that was such a good year and to win it away at Ipswich was such a moment.
“Winning two cup titles, winning the Pairs title twice with them and then of course 2023 and that dramatic final against Ipswich at home, to come back from 18 points, that will be one of the best moments for me.
“To win six trophies in eight years with them has been amazing and it’s been great times for me there.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to the promotion for everything they’ve done and sticking by me through some tough runs, to the fans who’ve supported me throughout and I just want to wish Sheffield Speedway all the best in the future.”
Meanwhile, the sport’s AGM takes place next week with further 2025 team announcements set to follow.
