Sheffield boss Simon Stead says the Tigers have sealed “an absolute bargain” after bringing former Speedway GP world champion Chris Holder back to Owlerton for 2026.
Holder helped the club to Premiership title success in 2023 – Sheffield’s first top-flight championship – and has been part of the Tigers ever since.
The five-time Speedway GP winner, who is joined in signing by compatriot Jye Etheridge, suffered injuries Down Under, which forced him out of the Australian Championship earlier this month.
But Stead is backing him to bounce back and prove a stellar signing on a tantalising 6.84 average.
He said: “Everyone knows what Chris is about by now and he’s still a class act. This year, he’s coming back in on a 6.84, which is an absolute bargain for someone of his quality.
“When he’s on it, he’s on it, and that was most evident when he scored that paid maximum in our last home meeting of the season against Ipswich.
“He had that little setback by not competing in the Aussie Championships because of the injuries he sustained just before they were due to get going, but he’ll be back, and I think we’ll see another solid season from Chris. He’s brilliant to have around the pits, he gets on well with the rest of the lads, and he’s a big team player.”
Elsewhere, Aussie racer Zach Cook has secured a return to Manchester club Belle Vue for 2026.
Posting on Facebook, Cook said: “I’m pleased to confirm that I’ll be returning to Belle Vue for the upcoming season. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year with the Aces, racing at one of the best tracks in the world. I’m looking forward to building on that as we head into 2026.”