THOUSANDS of fans are expected at Sheffield's Owlerton Stadium for the Garry Stead Benefit Grand Prix on Thursday (7.15pm).

Stead, a former Tigers rider, is paralysed from the waist down after crashing in May on a night when doctors fought to save his life.

Stead will be released from Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield to attend his 'big bash' which includes top Elite League and international stars Freddie Lindgren (Wolves and Sweden), Simon Stead (Belle Vue and GB) and Steve Johnston (Coventry and Australia).

Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart said: "This is going to be a very special night and a lot of work has gone into planning the event.

"Garry himself is very grateful to all the riders who have pledged their support by appearing in the meeting and the fans will be treated to a spectacular night of racing."

Former world pairs champion Chris Morton MBE will take on ex-world individual champion Michael Lee in a special matchrace and former Tigers favourite Sam Ermolenko, world champion in 1993, has offered to do some laps.

Normal Sheffield admission prices apply, with KIDS FOR FREE aged 12 and under and there will be a special souvenir programme, which is sure to become a collectors item, available for £4.

Fans should note the meeting starts at 7.15pm, half-an-hour earlier than a normal Thursday racenight at Owlerton.

LINE-UP: Gary Havelock (Redcar), Freddie Lindgren (Wolverhampton), Simon Stead (Belle Vue), Andre Compton (Sheffield), George Stancl (Edinburgh), Jason Lyons (Birmingham), Ricky Ashworth (Sheffield), Tai Woffinden (Rye House), Lee Complin (Stoke), Steve Johnston (Coventry), Joel Parsons (Sheffield), Rusty Harrison (Stoke), Chris Kerr (Redcar), Paul Cooper (Sheffield), Magnus Zetterstrom (Somerset), Richard Hall (Peterborough).