Sheffield Tigers skipper Stead relishes British Final at new national speedway stadium

Stead was no lover of the event’s former Wolverhampton home and believes with the pressure off he can have a say in the race for the national title.

Competitors have a further incentive in that the highest finisher with the exception of World Championship regular Chris Harris will receive a Wild Card for next month’s British Grand Prix in Cardiff.

Stead said: “Wolverhampton is always a brilliant race track, but it can be a bit technical for some riders.

“Being at the new National Stadium with such a wide, fast track, it really does open things up and I’m really excited to ride there for the first time.

“I’ve heard nothing but outstanding feedback from supporters and other riders.

“There’s no significant pressure on me and I can just go out there, give it my best and enjoy the occasion.

“Third place is my best-ever finish and I’d love to have a great event this year because I don’t know how many more chances I’m going to have.”

Stead is joined in tonight’s showpiece event by his Tigers team-mates Jason Garrity, Kyle Howarth and Josh Bates.

Garrity goes into the meeting in blistering form following his two recent maximums at Owlerton.

He will have high hopes of exceeding his fourth-place finish at Wolverhampton in 2015.