Speedway: Sheffield Tigers sign another rider for Premiership campaign

He joins Kyle Howarth as a survivor from last season in the revamped Tigers team for the new era.

And Kurtz is grateful for Sheffield giving him another chance when he lost his team place at Somerset last summer.

“When you sign for a team at the start of the season, one of your first aims is to see the year out with them,” he said.

“But Somerset felt they needed to make changes to guarantee them a play-off spot and I was one of the riders to make way.

“Thankfully Sheffield were quick to get in touch with me and as soon as they did, it was a no brainer really.

“It’s a club I’ve had plenty of good times at over the last few years, and of course winning the league with them in 2017 was one of the highlights of my career so far.”

Kurtz and Howarth join Jack Holder, Josh Grajczonek and Nicki Pedersen in the 2020 Tru Plant Tigers side which has captured the imagination of fans.

Co-promoter Damien Bates said: “Todd is a solid performer around Sheffield and he has a lot of experience in British Speedway now.

“We were pleased to welcome him back last season and he deserves this opportunity to go up a level with us.”

American ace Broc Nicol has left Owlerton to join Wolverhampton.

“Broc goes with our best wishes,” said Bates. “He’s a great guy and remains popular here but we will be trying to beat him next season!

“I’d like to think this is not the last we will see of Broc in Sheffield colours. The Premiership is taking shape nicely.”

It has also been confirmed that Newcastle have been saved with Rob Grant, who had a brief spell in Tigers colours as a rider, taking over on Tyneside.

They will continue in the Championship which will have 12 clubs.