And Garry Stead, a legend from his racing days with the East Yorkshire side, will take charge of the side after putting the team together with current Sheffield chief Eric Boocock.

Vikings fans are still clinging to the hope of a return to regular track action for their beloved club after suffering eviction from their Craven Park home in 2005.Before then, World Champions Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs and Egon Muller graced the Vikings track at their previous Boulevard home.

Paul Thorp, another Vikings legend, is currently looking for a Premier League club and he makes his track return in Hull colours after over a year out of the saddle.

Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart, who arranged a sponsorship deal for Hull in 2002, said: "There was always great rivalry between the two clubs and we're all looking forward to a great night on Thursday.

The Hull team, which originally included Magnus Karlsson, is stronger than Sheffield on paper. Tai Woffinden, the new British Under-21 champion, has agreed to deputise for Magnus.

It will also be good to see Garry Stead back involved as Hull team manager. He's shown terrific courage since sufferng the life changing injuries almost a year ago and I know he would love to lead his lads to victory!"