Duffill steps up
Jitendra Duffill has taken overall charge of Redcar Bears Speedway. The Bears have been searching for a new promoter since the departure of Kevin Keay a few weeks ago. Duffill was offered the role shortly after but initially declined, stating that a year of ill health and worries that the role would interfere with future career plans were his reasons. However, a change of heart at the last minute saw him accept the Bears head role at British Speedway’s annual AGM last week.
Duffill said, “I was very hesitant to accept the role initially as I am very aware of the amount of time that is needed to run a speedway club. I have worked very closely with Kevin Keay over the last 2 years and I saw the toll that the time commitments and pressures of the job took on him. Our directors had always been very keen for me to take the role and with the search for a new promoter being unsuccessful, I let my heart rule my head in the end.”
2019 will be Duffill’s tenth season with the Bears. He began as Team Manager under Brian Havelock in 2009, progressing to co-promoter in 2017. He admits that he plans to work closely with friend and ex-rider Jade Mudgway, whilst Kevin Keay has offered guidance when needed. “Kevin Keay did a fantastic job over the last 2 years and he has left big boots to fill. He has made himself available if I need any advice and I’m very grateful for that. Jade Mudgway is ultra keen and his enthusiasm is part of the reason I was swayed in the end. Now I’ve accepted the role I am very excited and feel honoured to take the reins. I’ll give Redcar Speedway my all as I always do and have been working tirelessly to prepare for 2019,’ stressed Duffill.
Duffill will meet supporters for the first time since taking over on 14th December at the Bears Christmas Party. When asked if he had a message for Redcar’s supporters he replied, “I feel privileged to be in this position and I will do everything I can to give our supporters a successful 2019 and beyond. I would love our fans to get behind me and my team as their support is invaluable to me and the biggest asset I could gain”.