Bailey: I’ve improved as a rider this season!
Redcar’s new U21 British Champion, Connor Bailey believes that joining Redcar has “improved him and made him a more rounded rider” ahead of the Bears Cab Direct Championship clash with Scunthorpe tomorrow evening with tapes up at 7:30 at the ECCO Arena.
Bailey, who rode superbly to secure his maiden major title in the UK is hopeful the U21 crown can be the springboard to more success, “ Hopefully winning the U21’s will help me to keep improving. In these last few weeks I have picked up and hopefully that upward trajectory can continue as we move towards the business end of the season.”
The likeable Brit thinks his move to the “Agilia” Bears has been a breath of fresh air for his career, “ It’s been a nice breath of fresh air to move away from a club (Glasgow) that I have been with for a long time. I’m really enjoying my time at Redcar! Riding at Redcar has made me a better rounded rider and I think I’ve improved on away tracks. It has also been great to get to know the new fans and how things work at Redcar.”
Bailey is well aware of the threats possessed by the Scorpions with several Scunthorpe men having shown a likeness for the ECCO Arena throughout their respective careers, “ It’s always the same with Redcar, everyone likes to ride there! We are up for the meeting and I’m hoping I can recreate the speed I’ve had in the last couple of meetings and get some more points on the board!”
Bailey, who now rides for 3 UK teams whilst also racing in the U24 Polish league, has dismissed any thoughts of burning himself out, “I think I’ve been coping okay and I’ve just been getting enough sleep in as possible! My mechanics have been great, I have a guy out in Poland who’s very happy to help me and I have Matt in the UK who looks after my bikes when I’m not in the country. It’s really important that I keep the workload to a minimum and just focus on my racing.”
Redcar again bring in Luke Harrison to deputise for injury victim Jake Mulford with the Bears looking to claim vital league points against a direct play-off rival. Additionally, for the Bears to gain the aggregate bonus point, they must overturn a 55-35 deficit from Redcar’s visit to Scunthorpe earlier this season. Moreover, Bears team manager, Gavin Parr has stuck with the same riding order with Connor Bailey continuing at 3 which see’s Erik Riss remain at 4.
Scunthorpe have declared rider replacement for ex-Bear Michael Palm-Toft unless a suitable guest can be found. Nathan Ablitt will be hoping to continue his recent upward trajectory whilst Jake Allen will be looking to fire his teammates to victory against his former side. Moreover, Drew Kemp will be hoping to recapture his previous superb record at the ECCO Arena whilst Ryan Douglas will be a threat for the Scorpions at number 1.
Supporters who are unable to attend the match are reminded that streaming coverage is available at www.redcar-speedway.tv
Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1 Danny King 8.27
2 Danyon Hume 5.24
3 Connor Bailey 4.63
4 Erik Riss 7.81
5 Charles Wright © 8.10
6 Jason Edwards 4.25
7 Luke Harrison (G) 3.14
™: Gavin Parr
Scunthorpe Scorpions
1 Ryan Douglas 9.15
2 Drew Kemp 5.33
3 Simon Lambert © 5.49
4 Rider Replacement for Michael Palm Toft 6.51
5 Jake Allen 6.74
6 Nathan Ablitt 2.00
7 Connor Mountain 4.83
™: Dave Peet