Swales: We need to maximise every opportunity!
Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales believes his side has to maximise every opportunity for league points, starting at Birmingham this evening, (19:30 start).
The Teessiders are battling it out to finish in the top 2 positions at the end of the season and Swales believes his side has every chance, “We need to try and maximise every opportunity we have for league points, if we can get the right results we have every chance of finishing second as it looks like Leicester will finish top at the end of the regular season.”
The rider turned promoter wants to finish as high as possible, even if the Bears don’t finish in the top 2, “I want the prestige of finishing as high as we possibly can. I don’t want to just be happy to finish inside the top 6 and I would not be happy if we did end up finishing 6th!”
The former Workington star also heaped praise on Redcar’s reserves who have both now secured SGB Premiership rising star spots, “Both of the reserves clearly have a bright future. In my opinion, it was only a matter of time before both of them got signed up in the Premiership and hopefully, it will be a good bit of experience for them which in turn, will hopefully help their form for Redcar.”
Swales also dismissed any form of rivalry with the Brummies who are under new ownership, “The new Birmingham promotion is trying to do everything right and they have had some struggles. They were left with quite a lot to do and they are doing the best they can. I really hope the Birmingham fans turn out and support the side as they are a great club and we can’t afford to lose them from the sport. There is no bad blood between us and Birmingham.”
Swales also discussed the wider future of the sport after the sad demise of the Newcastle Diamonds with the rider shortage and squad systems forming the main part of his thoughts on the situation.
The Bears promoter said, “I really think the whole sport should be transitioning more towards a squad system. When you look back at the team pictures from Middlesbrough in the early 90’s, there were 10 riders. Back then, it wasn’t an official squad system but it was assumed that ¾ riders would be swapping positions.”
Swales continued, “The problem we have with the lack of riders is that we are too much of a closed shop, doubling up is the main problem with guesting also an issue. Poland has an abundance of riders but they are the only country that does. Sweden are struggling more than the UK for riders, the UK actually has more licensed riders than Sweden.”
Attentions now turn to the hunt for more league points in the Midlands and the Bears are again at full strength ahead of the clash with Erik Riss looking to continue his strong SGB Championship form at his former club. Birmingham welcome back Claus Vissing from his Danish duties whilst they track their former rider, Paco Castagna as a guest for the stricken Josh Auty.
Bears supporters are reminded of a reduced entry at Perry Barr for season ticket holders from any UK club. Throughout June, fans who produce a valid 2022 season ticket from and UK track will be admitted to the stadium for just £10! We hope to see as many Bears fans as possible at Birmingham to cheer on the boys!
Birmingham Brummies
1. Claus Vissing 7.61
2. Stefan Nielsen 4.63
3, Paco Castagna 7.35 (G)
4. Ashley Morris 5.09 ©
5. Justin Sedgmen 6.51
6. James Shanes 4.43
7. James Pearson 4.00
TM Laurence Rodgers
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1 Charles Wright 8.95 (C)
2 Adam Roynon 4.06
3 Erik Riss 7.79
4 Kasper Andersen 5.80
5 Lewis Kerr 8.15
6 Jason Edwards 3.29
7 Jordan Jenkins 3.26
TM Jade Mudgway