Wright: We have an exciting septet!
Redcar stalwart Charles Wright is looking forward to the new campaign, branding the “Agilia” Bears side as an “exciting outfit” ahead of the 2025 Cab Direct Championship season.
2024 saw the Bears fail to make the play-offs for the first time since 2018 and the skipper admits he took the Bears poor start to the season to heart, ” I took it to heart more, especially when I had an off night. When I sat back and looked back, I was doing everything I could but looking ahead, we have three strong heat leaders and I am looking forward to an exciting campaign.”
The Redcar legend is thrilled that 2023 Bear Erik Riss has agreed a return to the ECCO Arena in 2025, ” Having Erik back balances the team and if our three heat leaders can perform, it takes the pressure off the rest of the side. Erik is a top rider and he can help us enormously.”
The 2023 CLRC champion is also looking forward to Danny King’s return to full fitness after a hand injury blighted much of his 2024 campaign. Wright said, ” Danny is an out and out number one, his hand is now fixed and make no mistake, he’s a class rider.”
The former British Champion is also pleased to see Jason Edwards and Jake Mulford return to Redcar, with the captain believing both have a lot more to offer. Wright explained, ” Jason is a bit of a slow burner in terms of his development but he’s maturing really well and going in the right direction. This year he won’t have the pressure of being the third heat leader which will help him and the side. Jake had a really good 2024 and this year he will progress even more now he’s in the main body of the side.”
Wright is also looking forward to helping Redcar’s two new recruits, Ace Pijper and Tom Spencer at reserve. The skipper explained, ” I will help both of the boys where I can but we have more experience in the side this season so we can all chip in and help Ace and Tom out. Ace has had a few years of Championship experience with Glasgow but with Redcar, he should be able to perform without pressure which will help him. Tom is pretty new to me but the promotion have obviously seen something in him from the National League and again, there will be no pressure on him. Also, don’t forget, we also have Danny (King) and Erik (Riss) who can help not just the reserves out, but everyone out.”
The fans favourite also believes the departures of riders such as Ben Cook has evened out the Cab Direct Championship. Wright said, ” With Ben (Cook), Josh (Pickering) and Tom (Brennan) moving on from the league, the teams look a lot more balanced and the league has the makings of a very interesting one in 2025.”
Supporters are reminded that season tickets are available from www.redcar-speedway.com/shop with press and practice set to take place on March 30th.