STEVE Schofield is set to return to the saddle again for the first time since he almost lost his life in a grasstrack spill nine years ago.

The former Pirates rider, who emigrated to Australia last year, is flying halfway around the world to take part in Craig Boyce's farewell meeting on June 25.

Scoie, second only to Boyce in Poole's list of all-time top points scorers, has not ridden since his horror crash at Collier Street, Kent, in November 1999.

The ex-England international sustained life-threatening head injuries and survived a long spell in a coma after the tumble that cruelly ended his distinguished racing career.

But now the Londoner, who rode alongside Boyce when Pirates won the British League title in 1994, is going to get on a bike again in tribute to his mate.

Boyce, who retired at the end of last season after a successful 20-year British racing career, said: "I'm absolutely overjoyed Steve is going to make my big night.

"He's one of the biggest influences on my career along with Neil Street.

"Scoie started me in the right direction when I began racing speedway in Britain in 1988.

"He showed me the way, what to do and what not to do if you were going to make it to the top level.

"Steve has been a close friend ever since and he's flying over for a quick visit from Queensland.

"I've spoken to him in Australia and he's really looking forward to it.

"It will be a real treat for me and the Pirates fans.

"I'm going to take him out for a slow spin along with some of the other Pirates stars of days gone by.

"If Scoie doesn't feel he can drive the bike himself I'm hoping to coax him on to the back of my bike and we'll go round together, which would be great."

Boyce also confirmed two-times world champion Jason Crump and British Grand Prix winner Chris Harris are in his benefit meeting line up.

The former world number three, who had already announced Leigh Adams was going to be at Wimborne Road for his celebrations, said: "Leigh and Jason are both very close mates.

"They have been for years. I grew up with them.

"I'm very happy Jason has found time in his crowded calendar to come.

"It's nice to have him because he won my testimonial and if he can win my farewell he'll be doing even better.

"I remember racing against Chris for Poole at Trelawny in the British League Cup in 2003 and everyone telling me beforehand about this Bomber' Harris.

"He was a real handful then. I'm not surprised he's where he is now, and I'm delighted he's doing my meeting."

Other confirmed riders for a four-team tournament are Antonio Lindback, Chris Holder, Peter Karlsson, Simon Stead, Joe Screen, Davey Watt, Magnus Zetterstrom, Troy Batchelor and Edward Kennett, with four more to be finalised.

Alun Rossiter, Sam Ermolenko, Boyce and one mystery rider will take part in legends' match races, while Ken Middleditch, Street, Malcolm Simmons and Martin Yeates and others are doing "slow laps".

Sharp Retail Systems, Argon Welding, Bournemouth Bedding Centre and Inter Estate are sponsoring teams, while Mitas Tyres are providing tyres.