IT’S THE STEELERS!

THE Scunthorpe and Sheffield side in the National Development League is to be rebranded as the Steelers.

The two clubs entered a joint side in the WSRA National League last season, prompting the return of third tier racing to Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway for the first time since 2014. The joint side raced two home fixtures at the EWR – against Edinburgh and Oxford – plus three home fixtures at Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium.

But there was some confusion, with the team riding as the Scunthorpe Stags at the EWR, the Sheffield Tiger Cubs (wearing Sheffield Prowlers race-jackets) at Owlerton, and the name and race-jackets also swapped around for the away meetings.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Our joint team with Sheffield in the WSRA National League last season was a success. But we realised the need for a clearer identity.

“Last season, you might have got the impression there were two separate teams, when actually there was just the one.  We realised the need for a single nickname.

“Steelers makes a lot of sense as a nickname. Both the town of Scunthorpe and the city of Sheffield have strong connections to the steel industry – for example, it is the major employer in Scunthorpe.

“There will be no confusion this season. We will be having a new set of Steelers’ race-jackets made, which will be used in every fixture. it will be clear that it is the same NDL team, wherever we ride.”

On an optimistic note, Godfrey concluded: “Damien (Bates, the Sheffield promoter) and I are happy to continue with the Steelers and hopefully they will operate for many years to come. The development of future riders is very important and I’m delighted in the creation of the National Development Trophy this season, which allows other clubs a chance to also run a team at this level.”

Scunthorpe and Sheffield Steelers 2025:

Adam Roynon 8.84

Luke Harrison 7.66

Luke Harris 5.36

Luke Muff 4.83

Mickie Simpson 4.49

Jamie Etherington 3.00

Harrison Rogers 3.00

Team manager: Simon Lambert