He lines up once again alongside Jack Holder, Chris Holder, Anders Rowe and Leon Flint from last year’s side, with Rising Star Luke Killeen the only fresh face announced so far.

That leaves the Tigers with just one remaining place to fill ahead of the new Premiership campaign, and team manager Simon Stead is eager to see what Etheridge can produce from the very start of the season.

Speaking to the Sheffield Speedway website, Stead explained that Etheridge faced a challenging situation last year after joining midway through the campaign while not fully fit.

Despite those setbacks, Stead said there were encouraging signs of Etheridge’s potential, particularly praising his attitude and approach.

“He’s always keen to try different set-ups to make things work, he’s not afraid to experiment with his racing lines, and he listens and gives everything a proper go,” Stead said via the Sheffield Speedway website.

Stead believes a full pre-season with the team will be a major advantage, adding that starting the campaign at reserve again should give Etheridge a strong base to build from in 2026.

Feature Image courtesy of Sheffield Speedway

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The young Brit follows Jack Holder and Anders Rowe in confirming his return to Owlerton after an outstanding breakthrough year with the Tigers.

Flint enjoyed a superb maiden Premiership campaign in 2025, earning the club’s Rising Star award and racking up just under 200 points as he quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

He will begin the new season on a reduced 5.05 average, and team manager Simon Stead has backed him to continue his upward trajectory.

Speaking on the Sheffield Speedway website, Stead said:
“When we picked him as our Rising Star last season, I said then I expected 2025 to be the year he really began to show his potential in the Premiership.

“His performances were exceptional overall and it was great to see him grow in confidence week-by-week and achieve some personal milestones.

“The next challenge for Leon is to make sure he kicks on and performs consistently away from the No.7 berth and if he applies himself exactly the way he did last year, then I believe he’ll be absolutely fine.”

Meanwhile, the sport’s AGM is set to take place next Tuesday (January 6), when the rules and regulations for the 2026 campaign are expected to be formally approved.

Feature Image courtesy of Sheffield Speedway

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The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with the Tigers, significantly improving on his starting average and establishing himself as a reliable points scorer. Spending much of the season in the No.2 race jacket, Rowe consistently chipped in with valuable contributions and claimed several notable scalps along the way.

Tigers boss Simon Stead admitted retaining the young Brit was a straightforward decision after the impact he made in his first year with the club.

“When Anders came to us last winter, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his signing,” Stead said on the Sheffield Speedway website.

“He hit the ground running pretty much from the off and for me, even though I thought he’d always grow as the season went on, he exceeded all expectations.”

Stead was particularly pleased with Rowe’s development over the course of the season.

“He matured a hell of a lot last season, he certainly progressed as a rider and he impressed everyone at Sheffield,” he added via the Sheffield Speedway website.

The Tigers chief also highlighted Rowe’s loyalty during a period of uncertainty.

“He made it clear very early on that he wanted to be back at Owlerton next year and even when things were uncertain, he remained loyal to the club,” Stead said.

“So once things were confirmed for next year, we finalised things with Anders and it’s going to be another big year for him in 2026.”

Rowe becomes the latest confirmed starter for Sheffield alongside Jack Holder, with further team news expected to follow in the coming days.

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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The Tigers’ future has been the subject of uncertainty since the club was placed on the market towards the end of September, leading to an anxious period for supporters and those connected with the Owlerton outfit.

However, it has now been confirmed that Sheffield will take their place in British Speedway’s top-flight next season, marking a sixth consecutive year at Premiership level.

Although a number of enquiries were received following the decision to explore a sale, the Bates family have opted to remain as owners, with new investors set to join the club early in the new year.

Promoter Damien Bates admitted the past few months have been challenging, but said clarity has now been achieved. Speaking to the Sheffield Speedway website, he said: “It’s not been an easy few months for anyone and we do sympathise with the supporters and how worried they must’ve been.

“Things have been so up and down, literally changing on a week-by-week basis, and we didn’t want to say anything until we knew which way things were going.”

Bates explained that while interest was strong, no firm offers materialised. He added via the Sheffield Speedway website: “From the moment we announced we were putting the club up for sale, we had a lot of interest – but no actual firm offers as such.

“Some people seemed more genuinely interested than others, but at the same time, we wouldn’t just hand Sheffield over to anybody.”

The Tigers promoter said one particular conversation proved decisive. “There was one ‘phone call which stood out more than all the others and that’s the one we’ve followed up,” Bates revealed. “It’s one that has convinced us we’re bringing the right people into the club.”

While final details are still being completed, Bates confirmed that both he and his family will stay on as owners, with Peter Mole also retaining a shareholding despite stepping down as co-promoter as planned.

According to the Sheffield Speedway website, Bates said the incoming investors will focus on the commercial and marketing side of the club, adding: “With them and one or two other people stepping up their involvement behind the scenes, we feel we’re back in a really strong position as a club going into 2026.”

He concluded by describing the situation as a fresh start, with further announcements to follow in the new year, and confirmed that talks with riders have already resumed ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Feature Image courtesy of British Speedway

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The Bates family and Peter Mole, who took charge of the Tigers in 2014, confirmed on the club’s official website that they will step aside at the end of the season. During their tenure, Sheffield moved into the top flight and lifted six pieces of silverware over 11 seasons.

Co-owner Damien Bates said the decision came down to growing demands outside the sport:

“There’s a huge amount of work involved in running a speedway club and with other work and family commitments, we’ve just got too much on.
The club is in great shape – brilliant facilities, loyal fans, dedicated staff, and a strong team. It’s the perfect set-up for someone else to now take forward.”

Fellow owner Peter Mole added:

“We’ve had so many good times since taking over and we’re proud of how far we’ve brought the club. But everything has added up and it’s started to take its toll. Maybe now it does need fresh enthusiasm and new ideas – that opportunity is there for the right people.”

The outgoing owners stressed they want to sell to parties who can help Sheffield continue to “thrive and prosper.”

Interested buyers are encouraged to contact the club directly at office@sheffield-speedway.com

Feature Image courtesy of Phil Mcglynn

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Howarth, who staged his Testimonial meeting this year, won major silverware at both senior levels with the Tigers and made nearly 240 appearances, scoring over 1,900 points.

He led them to the top-flight league title in 2023 but will be heading elsewhere in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership next year.

Howarth said: “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.”

Words and Images by British Speedway

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The visitors won 49-41 at the National Speedway Stadium on Easter Monday and will look to defend that advantage and end the Tigers’ run of reaching successive Cup Finals.

It will also be a first home meeting of the season for Sheffield, who have so far raced on the road three times in 2024.

Manager Simon Stead said: “These War of the Roses clashes are always something special. They throw up some real competitive action and it’s always a fixture that’s great to be a part of.

“With just eight points separating us ahead of the second leg, it’s one of those deficits that we know we’re more than capable of overturning at home.

“The boys are really itching to get some competitive laps under their belt around Owlerton once again, and with the incentive of a Cup semi-final place on the line in addition, I’m excited to see what the lads can do.”

Aces star Jaimon Lidsey said: “I don’t believe that Monday’s result was a fluke. Sheffield have a great team, there’s no denying that, but we also have a great team as well.

“Ben [Cook] and Connor [Mountain] have settled in very quickly and the vibe in the camp is really good, really positive, and I believe that showed on Monday.

“The confidence is up having beaten them, and that’s something we need to build on. We know they won’t want to lose at home, and we’ll need to work hard to protect our advantage.”

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tai Woffinden, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.

BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Ben Cook, Dan Bewley, Connor Mountain, Connor Bailey.

SCB Referee: Seth Perkin

Words by British Speedway – Image by Ian Charles

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Earlier worries of potential rain were soon put to rest as the two clubs took to the track in front of a healthy crowd to round off the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

There were no easy heats against the Tru7 Group Tigers, who are fabled for their abilities around the National Speedway Stadium, but they have had a somewhat challenging start to their year.

And the ATPI Aces weren’t about to make life any easier for them, as memories of last year’s opening fixture against our Yorkshire rivals persisted.

But unlike 2023, it was the home heroes who emerged the early leaders, with Norick Blodorn, Connor Bailey and newcomer Connor Mountain setting the pace for the rest.

And it didn’t take long for the Belle Vue boys to establish dominance in Manchester, even with the Tigers tailing them closely throughout the afternoon.

But their efforts, ultimately, were not enough to take any advantage to Owlerton, while the ATPI Aces feel confident that their performance has given them a decent edge for the return leg.

Jaimon Lidsey returned to form in brilliant style, topping the scores for Belle Vue with 10 points whil Blodorn followed up with a string 9-point haul and Ben Cook putting in 7+2.

Belle Vue captain Brady Kurtz said: “This was a very important result for us. We knew Sheffield weren’t going to make it easy and there were a couple of moments where we almost tripped up.

“But it’s credit to the boys that not only did we get a pretty good result, but everybody dug in and got on with the meeting, given how iffy the weather was looking.

“It wasn’t perhaps my finest hour. We made quite a few changes to the bike and eventually found something that worked, but that’s one of the great things about this team.

“We’ve got the guys there who can step up and fill in the gaps when others are struggling, and with that in mind we can feel pretty good about going to Sheffield on Thursday.”

The ATPI Aces to Owlerton Stadium on Thursday, April 4 for the return leg of their KOC Quarter Final with the Sheffield Tigers, with the aggregate winner advancing to the semi-finals.

Then, the Premiership big guns return home to the National Speedway Stadium on Monday, April 8 for another tasty league battle, this time against the Leicester Lions, tapes up at 7:30pm.

Meeting tickets, race day programmes and south stand parking are now available to pre-book, along with race day hospitality on Easter Monday, at bellevue-speedway.com.

RESULT – BELLE VUE V SHEFFIELD – MONDAY, APRIL 1 @ 12PM [PKOC]

Belle Vue ‘ATPI’ Aces 49: Jaimon Lidsey 10, Norick Blodorn 9, Ben Cook 7+2, Connor Bailey 6+3, Dan Bewley 6+1, Connor Mountain 6, Brady Kurtz 5

Sheffield ‘Tru7 Group’ Tigers 41: Tai Woffinden 13+1, Chris Holder 8+1, Josh Pickering 7+2, Jack Holder 6+1, Kyle Howarth 5, Jason Edwards 2, Dan Gilkes 0

Referee Scorecard

Words by Hayley Bromley – Images by Ian Charles

The post Belle Vue Aces notch up 8 point KOC lead over Sheffield Tigers – Report & Scores appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

It will be the first top flight fixture in the Second City for a decade following the club’s elevation during the winter.

And their home opener couldn’t come much bigger with the visitors boasting a star-studded side.

Sheffield are led by current Grand Prix racer Jack Holder, who also won the Speedway of Nations with Australia in 2022.

His brother, Chris, was World Champion in 2012.

Great Britain captain Tai Woffinden is also included – a three-times World Champion.

Former British Under-21 Champion Kyle Howarth skippers their side while all-action Aussie Josh Pickering, who has proved to be a very popular guest for the Brummies in recent seasons, is also in the main body of their team.

But the Brummies are fired up and raring to go for their first meeting on home shale following a behind-closed-doors practice last week.

Both teams have had one league fixture on the road so far – and ironically both ended in a 47-43 defeat at Oxford.

But Curtis Sport Brummies captain Steve Worrall is looking forward to such a stern opening test at home and can’t wait to get out in front of the Perry Barr faithful.

“This is the one we’ve been waiting for,” Worrall said.

“I know we’ve been to Oxford already and lost but I think we can take some things away from that.

“Yes, at Oxford we started off terribly.

“All of us were kind of scratching our heads; we all know our bikes but when you’re trying to figure out the set-ups in far from ideal conditions, it is tough.

“It took us all a couple of heats but when we found the set-ups and got going, we didn’t half pull it back.

“It was a really good showing in the end, some really positive signs, everyone dug deep and it stands us in good stead I feel.

“We all can’t wait to get out there now in front of our home fans and for it to be against Sheffield with the team they’ve got, what a night it should be.

“There are no slouches in their team but I think it should be a fantastic night and hopefully everyone will get behind it and we’ll be able to put on a show for our fans.”

Winter signing Wiktor Lampar will be making his home debut and got his maiden UK meeting under his belt in the 47-43 defeat at Oxford earlier this month, scoring 5+1 and earning his first race win.

And after testing the Second City track behind closed doors last Monday, Lampart is now excited to put on a show for the Curtis Sport Brummies faithful.

“I am looking forward to my first meeting at Birmingham,” Lampart said.

“This is my first season in England but I hope I can do well.

“We have some tough meetings to start but I hope we can win.”

Whilst tickets will be available on the gate, they are also available online for £23 adults, £20 concessions (with proof) and £10 students (with proof) – children under 16 are admitted free of charge!

Brand new racenight ‘VIP Gold Tickets’ are also available for £39 – this includes a raceday programme, a pre-meeting pits visit, a centre green experience as well as use of the executive boxes upstairs in the main grandstand.

All tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/56057?

This fixture will also be streamed via BrummiesTV. You can register now and buy your meeting pass for £12.99 at: https://www.brummies.tv

For any supporters travelling from Wolverhampton, there will also be coaches available. Full details at:birmingham-speedway.com/news.php?extend.3423

BIRMINGHAM: Vaclav Milik, Tom Brennan, Wiktor Lampart, Steve Worrall, Scott Nicholls, Zach Cook, Leon Flint.

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tai Woffinden, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.

Words and Feature Image by Birmingham Brummies

The post Birmingham Brummies all set to take on the Sheffield Tigers – Preview appeared first on Speedway Hub UK.

The Spires took the meeting 47-43 after racing into a ten-point advantage inside ten heats before the Tigers fought back in the closing stages.

Charles Wright bounced back from his crash last week to top score for the hosts with 11 points, whilst Rohan Tungate and captain Chris Harris both scored nine.

Tai Woffinden led the way for the visitors with 12 from six rides, despite mechanical gremlins in one outing, whilst Jack Holder bounced back from a slow start to score 9+1.

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “We knew Sheffield would bring some firepower to the meeting and they did just that.

“They were on it from the start despite not having a practice together – so we had to race hard and respond, which is what the boys did.

“We ran three last places all night, which ultimately has won us the meeting. It was a real team performance and the boys stuck together which I’m pleased to see – and again the support on the terraces was outstanding, which always helps.”

Sheffield boss Simon Stead said: “I thought we were unlucky. We were a little bit rusty in the early heats, we had a few dropped points, and we were a little bit unfortunate with an electrical failure for Tai – if that had finished how the race was preceding, then we’d have had a draw.

“It was a difficult one having not had a practice ourselves, going straight into somewhere that was new to a lot of the lads and against a team who have had one meeting here already on top of a full day of practice last week.

“We came back at them though and we looked better overall as the meeting went on, so there are positives we can take from this first one, and that’s what I’d like us to focus on.”

Oxford Spires 47: Maciej Janowski 5+3, Charles Wright 11, Nicolai Klindt 5+2, Chris Harris 9, Rohan Tungate 9, Lewis Kerr 7+1, Ashton Boughen 1.

Sheffield Tigers 43: Jack Holder 9+1, Kyle Howarth 5, Chris Holder 5+1, Josh Pickering 7, Tai Woffinden 12, Jason Edwards 3, Dan Gilkes 2+1.

Words by British Speedway – Feature Image by Les Aubrey

Full Referee Scorecard

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