SHEFFIELD ARE COMPLETE

CHAMPIONS Sheffield have completed the line-up for their Sports Insure Premiership title defence with the return of British youngsters Jason Edwards and Dan Gilkes.

Gilkes was the Tigers’ Rising Star for the bulk of the 2023 campaign before suffering a broken wrist in a crash at Peterborough in August, after which he was replaced by Edwards.

Both have now been signed to race at reserve for the Owlerton side next year, with Gilkes resuming the Rising Star role.

Manager Simon Stead said: “Dan and Jason are two cracking young lads and they both became an instant hit with the Sheffield supporters this season.

“Dan hit the ground running and I was very impressed with how well he adapted to racing at that level. He did a sterling job before he got injured – but his attitude and his focus is absolutely wonderful and both on and off track he is consistently doing the right things to better his all-round game.

“As for Jason I thought he did superbly under the circumstances and he proved to be a great replacement for Dan.

“He deserves his team place next year because he was fantastic at the sharp end of the year and he scored some really important points in the play-offs.

“I’m really pleased to include two young Brits at reserve and I’m sure everyone else will feel the same as me when I say I’m really looking forward to watching them continue to improve whilst wearing the Sheffield race suit.“

SHEFFIELD 2024 (Pending approval): Jack Holder, Tai Woffinden, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Kyle Howarth, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.