Parr: Let’s start as we mean to go on!

Redcar “Agilia” Bears team manager, Gavin Parr has challenged his 2024 septet to “start as we mean to go on” ahead of tomorrow nights Tyne-Tees Trophy clash against a strong Newcastle Diamonds select side with tapes up at 7:30 at the ECCO Arena. 

Despite the match being branded as a challenge, Parr is determined to start the season off on the right foot, ” Of course, we always want to win and we don’t want to be beaten by our closest rivals but this will also be the opportunity for the boys to get some competitive track time and sort out any teething problems that may arise during the meeting.”

The Newcastle born Bears boss knows the Bears will be in for a battle, ” Statistically, we won’t face a team with a higher overall average in the early stages of the season! The Newcastle team is way above the 38 point average limit but it is a good test for us at the start of the season.”

Parr also pinpointed the battle he expects at reserve, with the Diamonds tracking Max Clegg at 6 and the Middlesbrough Tigers skipper, Danny Phillips at number 7, ” I’m really intrigued to see how the reserves do against each other. Danny (Phillips) was on the phone to me over the winter wanting the Redcar Bears number 7 berth so I think he has a point to prove. Ben Trigger will be looking to get one over his Middlesbrough team mate and vice versa so I’m looking forward to the battle of the reserves.”

The exuberant team boss is also looking forward to seeing another large crowd at the ECCO Arena, especially after seeing the stadium packed for Charles Wright’s testimonial, ” Although it was great to see people turn out for Charles, the meeting also put Redcar in the spotlight as a club. We provided great racing and facilities so hopefully some of the fans who came to the testimonial will make more regular appearances at the ECCO Arena to support Redcar this season. Plus, for this meeting I think there will be a fair few coming down the A19 for the chance to support their side.”

Newcastle will be led at number 1 by their skipper for the evening, Steve Worrall, whilst Lewi Kerr and Ben Barker also come in to represent the nomadic Diamonds side. Interestingly, all 3 heat leaders have represented the Bears in their career with the 3 having amassed 131 appearances as Redcar riders in their storied British careers. 

The Diamonds have brought in Max Clegg to partner the aforementioned Danny Phillips at reserve whilst Plymouth’s Alfie Bowtell and Glasgow’s Paul Starke come in at 2 and 4 respectively for the visitors. 

For the “Agilia” Bears, the promotion hand debuts to Jonas Knudsen and Ben Trigger with both looking for a flying start in Bears colours. Charles Wright will once again lead the club as captain with the 2019 British Champion looking to continue where he left off after his Championship League Riders Championship win in late August at the ECCO Arena. 

Season ticket holders are reminded that this meeting is part of their 2024 ticket. Additionally, any fans who are unable to attend the ECCO Arena are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed via our streaming partners, Tapes Up Productions @ www.redcar-speedway.tv

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Danny King 8.41
2. Jason Edwards 4.55
3. Connor Bailey 5.23
4. Jonas Knudsen 5.39
5. Charles Wright © 7.80
6. Jake Mulford 3.06
7. Ben Trigger 2.08

Newcastle Diamonds

1. Steve Worrall © 7.84
2. Alfie Bowtell (official figure unavailable)
3. Ben Barker (official figure unavailable)
4. Paul Starke 4.00
5. Lewis Kerr 8.39
6. Max Clegg (official figure unavailable)
7. Danny Phillips 2.00