SHEFFIELD'S clash with Belle Vue is the perfect opener for skipper Ricky Ashworth - that's the view of club boss David Hoggart.
Ashworth will be making appearances in the Elite League for the Manchester club in a doubling-up role but will be available for every Sheffield meeting.
He will ride for Tigers in the attractive opener on Thursday, March 18 and the Aces will inclu
de international stars Peter Karlsson, Charlie Gjedde and Patrick Hougaard.
"Ricky can make a statement in this one and against the team he will double up with in 2010," said Hoggart.
"It's a few years since he's ridden at Elite League level, but since then Ricky is a much better all-round rider and he's determined to make it stick this time.
"He's delighted to have linked up with his home-town club, but this is one meeting he'll be determined to see them lose.
"It's going to be a terrific night and there's always a lot of pride at stake when these two teams meet.
"It's one of the oldest fixtures on the book - and they won't want to come here and lose."
A bumper crowd is expected for the opener and the Panaorama Room restaurant will be open after the impressive £2m redevelopment. To book cal the Sheffield Speedway office on 01142 853142.
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