DANNY King went unbeaten against his former club as Sheffield got their home league campaign up and running with a victory.
Tigers eventually eased to a comfortable 55-35 win over Championship newcomers Birmingham - but the visitors gave them plenty to think about in the early stages.
Just two points separated the two sides with seven races gone before Sheffield reeled off three successive 5-1 maximums to open up a bit of breathing space.
They were rarely troubled from that moment on either, only failing to win one of the final five races.
King and captain Kyle Howarth dropped just one point between them to an opposing rider on an inspirational evening from the heat-leader duo.
Ty Proctor looked back to his usual self as he delivered a paid double score for the first time at Owlerton this season - a feat also achieved by Zaine Kennedy who extended his impressive home run.
Kasper Andersen contributed two paid victories while guest reserve Danyon Hume took the chequered flag in Heat Two.
Youngster Drew Kemp took a hefty tumble in his opening ride - but rode through the pain barrier to earn a battling success in Heat Nine before being withdrawn from the meeting.
Tigers No.1 King said: “After just missing out to Leicester in the Championship Shield last time here, we wanted to get back to winning ways today.
“We did just that and to start our league fixtures off at home with a win is very pleasing.
“We know we’re a solid side throughout, particularly at home and we showed that again today.”
Sheffield travel to Glasgow on Friday (May 10, 7.30) for the first leg of their Knockout Cup tie before the decider at Owlerton next Sunday (May 12, 4pm).
SHEFFIELD 55: Danny King 14+1, Kyle Howarth 12+2, Ty Proctor 9+1, Zaine Kennedy 9+1, Kasper Andersen 5+2, Drew Kemp 3, Danyon Hume 3.
