SHEFFIELD promoter Damian Bates says it is not the end of the road for Kyle Howarth at the club despite confirming that he is not part of the Tigers’ 2025 plans.

Howarth, who captained the Tigers to the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title 2023 has made over 240 appearances for the Tigers at Championship and Premiership level over eight years, scoring over 1900 points in the process.

During that spell, the Greater Manchester-born racer won two league titles, two KO Cups and back-to-back Championship pairs in 2017 and 2018.

Howarth is expected to find another Cab Direct Championship berth but Bates admitted: “It wasn’t an easy conversation to have because Kyle is part of the furniture at Sheffield.

“He’s been a fantastic servant to the club, always giving 100 per cent and he’s been a reliable rider for us more often than not.

“But we just felt the time was right and that Kyle going elsewhere next year would be good for both of us - and that was something he’s been feeling for a while also.

“Do I think this is the end of the road for Kyle at Sheffield? No - and I hope it’s not either.

“I’d love for things to fall back into place one day so that he can come back and go out with a real bang.”

Howarth, who staged his testimonial at Owlerton earlier this year, added: “I’ve had such a good time with the club, made some very good memories and met a lot of great people.

“Since joining the club in 2016, they’ve always wanted to be successful.

“Winning the Championship in 2017 was such a good year, winning two cups, the Pairs title twice and, of course 2023 and that dramatic final against Ipswich at home, to come back from 18 points, that will be one of the best moments for me.

“To win six trophies in eight years with them has been amazing and it’s been great times for me there.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the promotion for everything they’ve done and sticking by me through some tough runs, to the fans who’ve supported me throughout and I wish Sheffield Speedway all the best in the future.”

 

Words by George Dodds.

Images by Taylor Lanning.