King : A tough test awaits!
Redcar heat leader Danny King is expecting a tough end of season examination as he makes his Teesside Silver Helmet debut tomorrow evening. The end of season spectacle see’s the Julie Lewis memorial meeting being intertwined with the Silver Helmet with tapes up at 7:30.
The former British Champion is excited about the prospect of a tough examination of his form on his home track, “ It’s nice to have a go at such a prestigious meeting, I’ve never raced in this meeting before so I will be looking to stop Lewi (Kerr) winning three in a row! It’s a tough line-up, especially with no home track advantage but winning the meeting would be a great way to end the season.”
King, who has completed two years in Bears colours is relatively pleased with his 2024 campaign, “I’m happy with how I have returned from my hand injury, it was a nasty one which I may need to take a further look at once the season is over. However, I am happy with how I have performed since returning albeit I would’ve liked to do a little better.”
The popular Bears man has also revealed he would be open to a return to Redcar in 2025, “ I am interested in a return to Redcar and I feel I have more to offer. However, this is speedway and we will have to wait and see what happens.”
Meanwhile, the next generation of British Speedway lineup for the right to be crowned the 2024 Julie Lewis Memorial Champion and Gavin Parr is looking forward to the meeting, “ It’s an innovative way to end the season and I hope the fans are happy with how we are running 2 events in one night.”
The Bears boss is hopeful home favourite Jake Mulford can end his Redcar season on a high with a strong showing in the Julie Lewis Memorial, “ Jake’s had a brilliant season, he’s increased his average, even after spending 80% of last season injured, he’s done fantastic for us. It’s a shame Ben Trigger has a prior commitment and cannot make the meeting as it would’ve been nice to see them battle it out but I’m sure Jake will be looking for victory to sign off his 2024 at the ECCO Arena.”
Parr also praised the club’s promotion for entering into this year’s National Development League, “ Although I am not the most qualified to talk about the Middlesbrough Tigers, it has been a success for the club and the crowds have increased match on match which is really good for the club as a whole. The venture into the 3rd tier has worked really well and slotted in when the Bears have had gaps in the fixture list so it has been a real positive for Redcar speedway.”
Parr believes that some of the riders who are on show tomorrow will be auditioning for a Tigers team spot in 2025, “ Some of the riders involved will be wanting a team place for next season and tomorrow night is the perfect opportunity to show what they can do.”
The Silver Helmet line-up includes the Redcar skipper Charles Wright, Redcar asset Jason Edwards with Belle Vue’s Norick Blodorn making a rare appearance on second tier shale. Additionally, the aforementioned Lewi Kerr will be looking to make history and win his 3rd Silver Helmet on the bounce. Other names to watch out for include CLRC finalist Antti Vuolas and CLRC semi-finalist Drew Kemp.
The Julie Lewis Memorial Meeting includes the aforementioned Jake Mulford, plus Tigers stars Danny Phillips, Kai Ward and Will Hocaniuk. Additionally, many spectators will be looking forward to seeing William Cairns on track as he makes another appearance at the ECCO Arena. The final three spots in the field are taken by Ace Pijper, Stene Pijper and Edinburgh’s Max Perry.
The Julie Lewis memorial meeting will be an eight heat format with the top four riders qualifying for a winner takes all final.
The Silver Helmet will be a 12 heat event with a last chance semi-final and a winner takes all final. Both meetings will take place together with two heats of Julie Lewis Memorial action being followed by three heats of Silver Helmet racing.
Supporters are reminded that entry is £20 whilst season ticket holders can use their 2024 ticket for entry into this match. Finally, any supporters who are unable to attend the meeting are reminded that the fixture will be live streamed at www.redcar-speedway.tv
Silver Helmet
Jason Edwards (Redcar)
Danny King (Redcar)
Simon Lambert (Scunthorpe)
Lewi Kerr (Berwick)
Norick Blodorn (Belle Vue)
Charles Wright (Redcar)
Jye Etheridge (Berwick)
Alfie Bowtell (Plymouth)
Connor Mountain (Scunthorpe)
Antti Vuolas (Workington)
Drew Kemp (Berwick)
Kyle Howarth (Scunthorpe)
Julie Lewis Memorial
Jake Mulford (Middlesbrough)
William Cairns (Belle Vue)
William Hocaniuk (Middlesbrough)
Ace Pijper (Scunthorpe/Sheffield)
Stene Pijper (Scunthorpe/Sheffield)
Danny Phillips (Middlesbrough)
Kai Ward (Middlesbrough)
Max Perry (Edinburgh)