EDWARDS & GILKES COMPLETE SHEFFIELD SIDE

British talents Jason Edwards and Dan Gilkes return to Sheffield as Tigers complete their 2024 side.

The 2023 Premiership champions have already recruited a stellar top five, featuring triple world champion Tai Woffinden, Aussie brothers Chris and Jack Holder, British racer Kyle Howarth and Australian star Josh Pickering.

Gilkes started the 2023 as Tigers’ Rising Star, before being forced out due to a broken wrist in August, with Edwards replacing him for the all-important play-off matches.

Both are no strangers to the world stage with Edwards racing in the 2022 FIM SGP2 of Great Britain - Cardiff, scoring six championship points, while Gilkes represented Great Britain at the 2023 FIM Speedway of Nations - SON2 event in Riga last August.

Sheffield team manager Simon Stead is backing both men to build on promising 2023 seasons. He said: “Both 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 are absolutely wonderful and, both on and off track, he is consistently doing the right things to better his all-round game. There was never any doubt in my mind that he would be back as our Rising Star next season, and I’m really excited to see how he can kick on.

“As for Jason, I thought he did superbly under the circumstances, and he proved to be a great replacement for Dan. Sheffield was new to him when he signed for us, but he really enjoyed himself at the club and was riding with a smile on his face. 

"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 think Dan and Jason will enjoy a healthy rivalry riding alongside each other at No.6 and No.7 for Sheffield, and with what they’ll learn from the rest of the team, as well as what they’ve already got in their own lockers, I really do think they can help push each other on.

“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 while wearing the Sheffield race suit.”