Sheffield Tigers' biggest ever signing Nicki Pedersen will ride at relaunched Riders' Championship

Nicki Pedersen, Sheffield Speedway’s biggest ever signing, will make his UK return in the club’s Northern Riders’ Championship at Owlerton.
By Nigel Pearson
Published 12th Feb 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 12th Feb 2020, 06:05 BST
Nicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris SimpsonNicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris Simpson
Nicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris Simpson

Three-time World Champion Pedersen has made Tigers the talk of the Premiership after agreeing to end his self imposed exile from British racing.

He’ll start the showpiece individual meeting on Thursday March 26 as one of the favourites to take the title.

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All seven members of the 2020 Tru Plant Tigers will line up at the event, providing the perfect opportunity to get some valuable competitive racing under their belts ahead of the new season.

Nicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris SimpsonNicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris Simpson
Nicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris Simpson

The Championship was last staged in 2010 with Ricky Ashworth coming out on top - other notable past winners include club legends Doug Wyer and Reg Wilson.

Sheffield boss and 2004 winner Simon Stead is delighted to see an event with such a rich history return to the calendar.

“It’s the perfect way to start a new era - the event has always been popular and we decided to listen to the supporters and re-introduce the Northern Riders’ Championship to the calendar.

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“The club are also delighted to be supporting Todd Kurtz’s testimonial which I’m sure will be a fantastic night of racing - the line-up so far looks great.

“This will almost certainly be Nicki’s first meeting back and I urge fans to get this date in their diaries ahead of the new season.

“It’s a great way to prepare for the big Belle Vue derby meetings the following week - we can’t wait to get going.”

Club bosses can now confirm that they will host their press and practice session on Wednesday, March 18 with track action commencing at 6.30pm followed by a media session in the bar.

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The first Tigers team meeting at Owlerton takes place on Thursday, April 2 (7.30) with local rivals Belle Vue the visitors in the Premiership Supporters’ Cup.

*Sheffield Speedway are reverting to their traditional Thursday racenights at Owlerton as they step up to the Premiership.

And the club are on the search for new track staff and raceday volunteers.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved or who would like more information should e-mail [email protected].

Related topics:Sheffield TigersPremiershipSupportersSimon Stead