Parr: Birmingham are no pushovers! 

Redcar team manager Gavin Parr believes the “Agilia” Bears have another “tough test” ahead of them whilst also insisting The Brummies “are no pushovers” ahead of Redcar’s BSN Series home clash against the Brummies with tapes up at 7:30pm on Saturday at the ECCO Arena. 

The former rider turned team manager spoke surrounding the fitness issues of Erik Riss and Jake Mulford, “ As we speak (late Thursday evening), we are still not sure whether Erik or Jake will be with us on Saturday but we have some very good guests lined up just in case.”

Parr also discussed the health and fitness issues of the German star and the young British reserve, “ Jake had a physio appointment on Thursday and he is feeling a lot better. Although Jake is getting there, he is still a little sore so he is still unsure whether he can ride on Saturday. Meanwhile, Erik’s had a better day yesterday and his blood tests came back clear. However, he still feels he has a little “brain fog” so he is still a doubt for the match.”

Parr also explained the challenges the Bears will face against the Brummies on Saturday, “ People have labelled Birmingham as a “pushover” but I certainly do not see that from looking at their side and they have got some really good riders who ride the ECCO Arena superbly! Moreover, Nick Morris entertained everyone when visiting with Leicester last season and he is a classy rider, Stefan Nielsen is also impressive and they have two 4 point reserves, they are not being taken lightly!”

Parr continued, “I believe we will come out on top but it will be another tough battle for us. It will be nice if we can have all 7 lads back together and firing but if that’s not the case we have 2 good guests on standby to help us out!”

Whilst rider replacement is available to the Bears should Riss declare himself unfit, Parr is keen to avoid using the facility, “ I have a good guest lined up for Erik (Riss) and running rider replacement can be risky, if one of the other riders got injured we would have a 5 man team so in my book, rider replacement isn’t an option unless there is no other option!”

As mentioned, Redcar are sweating on the fitness of Riss and Mulford ahead of the clash with the remaining “Agilia” Bears ready to race ahead of Redcar’s 3rd BSN Series Northern group stage fixture of the season. 

Meanwhile, Birmingham have drafted in Zach Cook to guest in place of the injured James Wright who crashed out at Plymouth riding in Paul Starke’s testimonial meeting.

The Brummies also hand official debuts to Nick Morris, former Bear Ty Proctor and Alfie Bowtell whilst they also welcome back Stefan Nielsen, James Pearson and Justin Sedgmen for a second year with the Brummies with the latter being handed the captaincy by the Perry Barr management.

Saturday is the day of action with the Redcar promotion opting to move the fixture by 24 hours to avoid clashing with a Middlesbrough Football Club fixture which was brought forward for national TV coverage. For fans unable to attend the ECCO Arena the meeting will be streamed live on the British Speedway Network (BSN).

Redcar “Agilia” Bears 

1. Erik Riss 8.24
2. Connor Bailey 4.32
3. Charles Wright 7.40 ©
4. Danyon Hume 5.68
5. Danny King 8.05
6. Jason Edwards 3.80
7. Jake Mulford 2.00

™: Gavin Parr

Birmingham Brummies 

1. Nick Morris 10.13
2. Alfie Bowtell 4.28
3. Zach Cook 5.51 (G)
4. Stefan Nielsen 4.82
5. Justin Sedgmen 7.04 ©
6. Ty Proctor 4.00
7. James Pearson 4.00

™: Laurence Rodgers