Category: Bears News

REDCAR rounded off their home Cab Direct Championship league campaign with an impressive 51-39 victory over the Glasgow Tigers. Redcar’s 12 point success also saw them secure the aggregate point 93-87. 

Returning as a guest, Nicolai Klidt hit a paid maximum (11+1) whilst Jody Scott excelled with 13 including a superb heat 15 win whilst Tigers guest Anders Rowe struck 10 for the beaten visitors. 

Redcar boss Gavin Parr was happy with his side’s performance. Parr said, “ It was great to finish the league season (at home) with a win, hats off to Glasgow for getting on with things and not complaining when the track was tricky (due to the rain) early on. I’d like to mention Nicolai (Klindt) and Jody (Scott) who were our standout performers in a good home performance.”

The “Agilia” Bears started well as Klindt won comfortably from the gate, and with Jake Mulford 3rd (despite being 2nd in the early stages), the hosts began with a 4-2 heat advantage. 

However, the Tigers were not behind for long as they struck a 5-1 in the reserves race as their guest Reid Battye continued his recent impressive form to win, and with Freddy Hodder 2nd, Glasgow bit back with vengeance. 

Heat three saw Redcar hit back as Scott won comfortably and with stand-in skipper Jake Allen 2nd when Glasgow guest Drew Kemp crashed, the race was awarded as a 5-1 and the Bears had re-asserted their two point advantage. 

Redcar’s momentum looked set to be abruptly halted in heat four as the all-action Battye led comfortably, and with Rowe 2nd entering the last lap, Glasgow looked set to lead again. However, disaster struck for the Australian entering bend 3 as he came down, gifting Redcar a 3-3 when they looked set to fall behind. 

Redcar doubled their lead in the next race as Allen won despite Harris fighting his way past Scott and challenging the Redcar man, but with Scott settling in 3rd, the Bears had started in spritely fashion. 

After a pair of shared races won by Klindt and Kevin Juhl-Pedersen respectively, Redcar’s lead was stretched to six points in heat eight as Mulford rode a classy opening two bends to win, and with a battling Simon Lambert passing Kemp, Redcar were in command. 

Glasgow boss Cameron Brown opted to bring in Harris in as a tactical substitute alongside Rowe but this did not deter Scott as he made an electric gate to win with remarkable ease, nullifying the tactical move even though the Tigers packed the minor placings. 

Heat 10 saw Klindt make it a remarkable four wins from four with another comfortable tapes to flag win, but with Mulford 4th, the Bears lead remained at six points and the aggregate scores were level. 

Heat 11 saw Sam Hagon hit the deck on the opening bends and the Tigers man was excluded from the re-run. The re-run saw Harris manoeuvre his way past Edwards for the win in the sixth shared race of the evening. 

Scott continued his stellar evening with a fantastic heat 12 win, and with Ace Pijper splitting the visitors pairing in 3rd, the “Agilia” Bears were eight ahead and two ahead on aggregate. 

Heat 13 saw a superb opening two bends from Edwards who chased the dirt to win, and with Klindt working alongside his teammate to keep Rowe at the back, Redcar had secured the win and the hosts were on the verge of the aggregate point. 

Heat 14 saw Allen pass Juhl-Pedersen for the lead, but with Battye tasting the ECCO Arena shale, he was excluded and a re-run was ordered. The re-run saw Juhl-Pedersen win a shared race which secured Redcar all three points on offer. 

The final race of the evening saw Scott ride way beyond his years and leave Rowe and ex-GB star Harris in his wake to win a shared heat by the proverbial mile, with the youngster leaving his bike on the start line after the race to run to the supporters on bend one, with fans desperate for a high five from one of Britain’s brightest stars. 

Redcar Bears = 51 (93)

1. Nicolai Klindt = 11+1 Paid Max

2. Jake Milford = 4

3. Jody Scott = 13

4. Jake Allen = 7+1

5. Jason Edwards = 9

6. Simon Lambert = 5+3

7. Ace Pijper = 2+1

Glasgow Tigers = 39 (87)

1. Chris Harris = 9+2

2. Sam Hagon = 0

3. Drew Kemp (G) = 4

4. Kevin Juhl Pedersen = 8+1

5. Anders Rowe (G) = 10

6. Freddy Hodder = 3+2

7. Reid Battye (G) = 5

This Friday, experience Speedway the VIP way.

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REDCAR fell to a 46-44 defeat at Shielfield Park as the Bears play-off hopes took a massive blow.

Redcar led until heat nine and only fell behind in heat 13, but with the meeting level heading into heat 15, Nick Morris completed a faultless full maximum, and with Jye Etheridge 3rd, Berwick’s undefeated home record remained intact. Nick Morris’ maximum was backed up by Jye Etheridge (11) whilst Simon Lambert returned to form with a paid 12 point haul for Redcar, (11+1).

The Bears began with a heat advantage as Jody Scott took an impressive tapes to flag win, and with Charles Wright in 3rd, the Bears had a start to build on. Heat two saw a blistering race as Lambert passed Jack Smith and his teammate Ace Pijper on lap one but the Brit was not done there as he built up his speed and passed Reid Battye on the final lap to take the win, and with Pijper 3rd, Redcar had an early four point lead.

Redcar’s dream start continued in heat three but not after controversy in the first staging of the race. Jake Allen was battling with the Bandits guest Dayle Wood when Wood came down. Wood was incensed with Allen but the referee excluded the home man, with Wood continuing his remonstrations in the pits. The re-run saw Allen win, and with Scott 3rd, the Bears had opened up an early six point lead at Shielfield Park.

However, Berwick hit back in heat four as Morris won, and with Battye making an equally impressive start, the hosts reduced the arrears to two points with a maximum heat advantage.

Heat five saw Wright take his first chequered flag of the evening over Victor Palovaara, and with Lambert 3rd, Redcar struck their 4th heat advantage after only 5 heats. Redcar’s rapid start continued in heat six as Jason Edwards won, and with Lambert passing Bandits guest Luke Killeen for 3rd, the play-off chasing visitors were in command at 15-21.

Berwick boss Stewart Dickson used his tactical substitute in heat seven as Palovaara joined Morris at the tapes. However, despite Morris taking the win, Palovaara was last, meaning Redcar’s 6 point lead remained intact.

However, Berwick are not undefeated at home all season for nothing and a 5-1 in heat eight saw the hosts hit back as the in-form Etheridge won, and with Battye in 2nd, the home supporters had their eyes set on a comeback win.

Despite the Bandits closing in on the “Agilia” Bears, the visitors recorded their sixth 4-2 of the evening as Edwards won again, and with Lambert blasting his way into an important 3rd, Redcar were four ahead.

However, Redcar’s lead evaporated in heat 10 as the impressive Bandits skipper Etheridge won, and with Battye holding off his compatriot Allen for 2nd, the match was suddenly all square.

After Morris won a shared heat 11, heat 12 saw a barnstorming race. Smith led from the gate, but Lambert passed the Bandits reserve. However, both Battye and Smith were not done with Lambert and with the Bears man opting to ride low on the final bend, both Bandits sensed an opportunity, but Lambert had enough to take the chequered flag to ensure Redcar remained level with the Bandits.

Heat 13 saw Berwick take the lead for the first time as Morris won despite Wright’s best efforts, and with the previously pointless Killeen 3rd, the hosts had a slender two point lead with two races remaining. However, the hosts lead did not last long as Allen won heat 14, and with Lambert finishing his impressive evening off with another 3rd place, we had a level meeting heading into heat 15.

The final race of a tense evening saw Allen and Morris battle going into the first turn but Morris came out on top, with Allen dropping to the back behind Etheridge with Wright in 2nd. Despite both Bears best efforts, the Bandits secured a 4-2 to preserve their undefeated home run and secure two league points with the Bears taking home the aggregate point for their efforts.

Berwick Bandits = 46 (89)

1. Luke Kileen (G) = 1
2. Jye Etheridge = 11
3. Victor Palovaara = 4
4. Dayle Wood (G) = 0
5. Nick Morris = 15 MAX
6. Jack Smith = 2
7. Reid Battye = 13+4

Redcar Bears = 44 (91)

1. Charles Wright = 10
2. Jake Mulford R/R
3. Jody Scott = 5+1
4. Jake Allen =10+1
5. Jason Edwards = 7
6. Simon Lambert = 11+1
7. Ace Pijper = 1

The Redcar Agilia Bears came agonisingly close to a valuable away victory on Friday night, eventually going down 48–42 to the Glasgow Tigers after leading for much of a thrilling Cab Direct Championship encounter at Ashfield.
With both sides firmly in the battle for the play-offs, there was plenty at stake in Scotland, and the Bears produced an excellent performance which deserved more than the final scoreline suggests.

Redcar took the fight to their hosts and twice established an eight-point advantage, putting themselves in a superb position to claim what would have been a huge victory on the road.
The Bears’ strength throughout the side was again evident, with Jody Scott and Ace Pijper leading the way with 9+2 apiece, while skipper Charles Wright also collected nine points.

With the meeting entering its closing stages, Redcar still held that eight-point advantage and looked well placed to leave Ashfield with the league points.
However, the home side produced a dramatic late fightback.
A crucial Glasgow 5–1 from guests Nick Morris and Reid Battye in Heat 12 changed the complexion of the meeting before the Tigers took control over the final three races.

With Leon Flint enjoying an outstanding night for the hosts and Chris Harris also producing a big score, Glasgow completed the turnaround to take the meeting 48–42.
It was a frustrating conclusion for the Bears after such a strong display away from home, but the six-point margin means Redcar leave Glasgow with plenty still to race for when the two sides meet again at the ECCO Arena later this month.

Scott and Pijper’s performances were particular positives, while Jake Mulford added 5+1, Jason Edwards five and Jake Allen 4+2 as all seven Bears contributed to the final total.
The result leaves Redcar disappointed not to have converted an excellent position into victory, but the performance once again demonstrated that the Bears are capable of competing with the Championship’s leading sides on their own tracks.

Attention now turns to the remaining league fixtures as the battle for the play-off places continues

GLASGOW 48: Leon Flint 16, Chris Harris 12+2, Nick Morris 9, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 5, Reid Battye 4+1, Freddy Hodder 2, Sam Hagon 0.
REDCAR 42: Jody Scott 9+2, Ace Pijper 9+2, Charles Wright 9, Jake Mulford 5+1, Jason Edwards 5, Jake Allen 4+2, Simon Lambert 1.

LIVE Speedway is to make a sensational return to free-to-air television – with this Saturday’s Cab Direct British Final at Belle Vue to be screened by ITV4 and ITVX.

British Speedway is delighted to have concluded arrangements with ITV plc for the live broadcast of the showpiece major event at the National Speedway Stadium, Manchester on August 15 (7pm).

And in a further boost, long time Championship backers Cab Direct have agreed a deal to become title sponsors of the prestige meeting which will feature Grand Prix star Robert Lambert defending the title.

Lambert, who is currently in contention for the World title, clinched his second British crown last year at the same venue in a deciding race widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport.

He overcame former champions Charles Wright, Dan Bewley and Chris Harris in a remarkable four way, four lap battle which went right down to the wire.

Seven riders who have previously won the title figure in the draw, as well as some of the sport’s top rising talent including 16-year-old Cooper Rushen and 17-year-old home favourite Will Cairns.

The return to ITV platforms will evoke memories of televised speedway coverage on the World of Sport programme which ran until the mid-1980s.

Back then, top events such as the World Final, British Final and international Test Matches were regularly featured, bringing the sport to the widest possible audience and making household names out of many of the riders.

Nowadays, ITV4 is the main linear television outlet for ITV Sport, with motorsport playing a key role in its output.

It has become the established home of the British Touring Car Championship, along with being free-to-air broadcast partner of the FIA Formula E series, and outside of motorsport there is a regular Saturday night EFL highlights programme featuring action from all three Football League divisions.

ITVX is the streaming service operated by ITV plc, containing exclusive content in addition to that which is broadcast free-to-air.

Securing the backing of the UK’s leading taxi supplier, Cab Direct, is yet more positive news for the event as the company continue to extend their support for British Speedway.
Cab Direct have been title sponsors of the Championship league since 2023, subsequently adding the KO Cup competition under the MAXiCab brand, and they will now put their name to one of the sport’s major events for the first time.

Peter Facenna, Managing Director of Cab Direct, said: “We’ve been proud supporters of British Speedway for several years through our sponsorship of the Cab Direct Championship, so it’s fantastic to see the British Final return to free-to-air television.

“ITV coverage will help showcase the speed, skill and excitement of the sport to a wider audience and inspire a new generation of fans.

“Speedway has deep roots in communities across the UK, and we’re proud to support an event that celebrates the very best of British Speedway.”

Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “I’m delighted we can once again bring speedway to free-to-air television, and especially for such a big event as the British Final.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in putting this all together, and especially Cab Direct for coming on board as title sponsors.

“We plan to make the event a real spectacle, and that will be the case for everyone attending on the night as well as those watching on ITV.

“We know we can expect a night of top-class racing with so much at stake for the riders on a superb circuit which always produces thrilling action.

“Even by Belle Vue’s standards the Final last year was extraordinary, but we hope this year’s event will be just as memorable, and to have it on free-to-air television with ITV is fantastic news for the sport.”

Live coverage from Belle Vue on Saturday August 15 will get underway at 7pm with the meeting parade, with the opening race at 7.15pm.

CAB DIRECT BRITISH FINAL DRAW: 1 Anders Rowe, 2 Cooper Rushen, 3 Craig Cook, 4 Robert Lambert, 5 Adam Ellis, 6 Drew Kemp, 7 Will Cairns, 8 Dan Thompson, 9 Jason Edwards, 10 Danny King, 11 Charles Wright, 12 Dan Bewley, 13 Jody Scott, 14 Leon Flint, 15 Chris Harris, 16 Tom Brennan. Reserves: 17 Jake Mulford, 18 Ace Pijper.

This Saturday, experience Speedway the VIP way
Step into our exclusive lounge for a premium race night experience with unbeatable views and added hospitality.
Enjoy:
• Balcony seating overlooking the track
• Complimentary food & drink
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• Dedicated host for the evening
All for just £14 extra on your entry ticket

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Anyone interested contact Ian on 07827293866 or email indrinkel@msn.com 

REDCAR pulled off a breathtaking, barely believable 47-43 win over the Berwick Bandits in another thrilling Cab Direct Championship last heat decider at the ECCO Arena. Charles Wright hit 12+1 for the “Agilia” Bears with Jason Edwards hitting 12 whilst Jye Etheridge struck an impressive 11+1 for the beaten Bandits. 

The Bears headed into heat 15 with a 43-41 lead but after Charles Wright was excluded for touching the tapes, he was replaced by Jody Scott. Jason Edwards then took a heavy fall on the first bend in the re-run and it was looking like an uphill task for the hosts. However, Edwards dusted himself down for the re-run, gated and remarkably held off Peter Kildemand for the win, and with Scott 3rd, the home fans went wild. 

Bears boss Gavin Parr praised the togetherness of his septet after another ECCO Arena thriller. Parr said, ” Hats off to the boys for all sticking together and getting the job done. Berwick were always going to provide a sterner test than they did last time and at times, we had to dig deeper than we have had to do before this season.”

Heat one began terribly for the hosts as Peter Kildemand won with ease, and with Etheridge 2nd, the visiting Bandits had the perfect start. The reserves race saw Reid Battye hit the deck on the opening bends, with all four invited back for a re-run. The re-run saw Scott win, but with Bears guest Ryan Ingram 4th, the early four point gap remained. 

However, heat 3 saw that lead evaporate as Edwards won convincingly, and with Jake Mulford 2nd, Redcar began to bite back. Nevertheless, Berwick re-established their four point lead in heat 4 as Battye took an impressive win, and with Nick Morris taking care of Jake Allen, Berwick sensed an opportunity to capitalise.

Etheridge took another impressive win in heat 5, but with Edwards battling past Kildemand and just doing enough to hold off the Dane, he prevented a 5-1 but the Bandits stretched their lead to six points at the ECCO Arena. 

After Wright won a shared heat 6, he was straight back out in heat 7 as a tactical substitute with Jake Allen as Redcar looked to turn the tide. The decision proved to be the correct one by Parr as Wright won, and with Allen 2nd, Redcar were back within two points of the Bandits.  

However, the theme of the meeting continued in heat 8 as Berwick hit back, but not without controversy. The original running of the race saw Scott gate, lift and then the Brit tangled with Battye and came down. Most inside the ECCO Arena expected to see all four back, but despite Scott losing his steel shoe in the tangle, he was excluded. 

The restaging saw both Bandits gate, and with Simon Lambert unable to land a blow, Berwick were back to a six point lead on Teesside. After Edwards passed Morris to win a shared heat 9, Scott responded to his heat 8 setback to join Wright at the front in heat 10, and with Victor Palovaara and Battye unable to mount a challenge, Redcar were again within two points of the visitors. 

Despite the hosts hitting back again, they were afforded no respite from Berwick as Kildemand passed Allen to win heat 11 and with Ingram 4th behind Etheridge, the Bandits were four ahead with four races remaining. 

Heat 12 saw Mulford return to the fore with a comfortable win, and with Scott riding the boards, he built up enough speed to pass Jack Smith on lap four to get the paid win, much to the delight of the Bears supporters, and suddenly we had a level meeting. 

After Wright took care of Kildemand to win a shared heat 13, we had more drama in heat 14. As the tapes rose, both Ingram and Edwards hit the front, only for the red lights to go on (for a tapes issue) as the riders entered turn 3, much to the disgust of the Redcar fans. The re-run saw Ingram pop out of the start for the win, and with Edwards overhauling Battye for 3rd, Redcar had a narrow two point lead with one heat remaining. 

Nails were being bitten in the crowd from both sets of supporters, and as the tapes rose, it seemed Morris had touched the tapes. However, upon looking at the video evidence, SCB referee Chris Gay correctly saw that Wright had touched first, and the Bears skipper was excluded. The re-run saw Morris leave Edwards no room, with the long time Bear colliding heavily with the fence. However, he was quickly up and all four men were invited back for a re-run. 

The re-run saw the seventh last heat decider of the season at Redcar, and boy it was a classic! Edwards gated, and Wright’s replacement, Scott joined him. However, Kildemand wasn’t done and he tried every wide line of the ECCO Arena, and he passed Scott but Edwards held on to win, sending the home support into delirium as Redcar yet again pulled a big home win out of the fire!

Redcar Bears : 47

1. Charles Wright = 12+1

2. Simon Lambert = 1

3. Jake Mulford = 5+1

4. Jason Edwards = 12

5. Jake Allen = 6

6. Ryan Ingram = 3

7. Jody Scott = 8+2

Berwick Bandits = 43

1. Peter Kildemand = 11

2. Jye Etheridge = 11+1

3. Victor Palovaara = 1

4. Jordan Jenkins – R/R

5. Nick Morris = 7+2

6. Jack Smith = 4+3

7. Reid Battye = 9+1

This Friday and Saturday, experience Speedway the VIP way

Step into our exclusive lounge for a premium race night experience with unbeatable views and added hospitality.

Enjoy:

• Balcony seating overlooking the track

• Complimentary food & drink

• Full race programme

• Dedicated host for the evening

All for just £14 extra on your entry ticket

Spaces are limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Planning a corporate event?

Did you know our lounges are also available to hire for businesses and private groups? They’re the perfect setting to entertain clients, reward staff or celebrate a special occasion while enjoying an exciting night of Speedway.

Anyone interested contact Ian on 07827293866 or email indrinkel@msn.com

SCUNTHORPE maintained their unbeaten home record with a convincing 53-37 success over the Redcar Bears to move to the top of the Cab Direct Championship table. Both skippers top scored for their sides as  Josh Pickering struck a flawless 15 point full maximum whilst Charles Wright continued his impressive return from injury with 14 points.  

The hosts registered an impressive 12 heat winners, and with only 5 last places, it left the “Agilia” Bears with a mountain they ultimately could not climb. This result leaves Redcar 6th in the table heading into the final six league matches of the regular season. 

Bears co-promoter Jamie Swales was in a philosophical mood after the defeat. Swales said, “I never really felt we were totally outclassed but we were beaten by fine margins in each race and they are a very good side on home shale.”

Heat one began with a tapes infringement as Connor Mountain reacted to a twitch from Redcar’s Simon Lambert which sent the former through the tapes, with Scorpions boss David Howe electing to bring in his reserve Nathan Ablitt from the tapes. Scunthorpe gated on a maximum, but Wright made short work of Ablitt, but with the Brit unable to reel in Pickering, the hosts started with a 4-2. 

Scunthorpe’s positive start to proceedings continued in the reserves race as Ryan Ingram won convincingly, and with Ablitt holding off Jody Scott for 2nd, Gavin Parr had plenty to think about after two heats in Lincolnshire.  

Heat 3 saw another obliteration of the tapes with Michael Palm-Toft the guilty party after Jake Mulford moved, and the Dane was excluded from the re-run. However, this didn’t hamper the hosts as his replacement, Ryan Ingram made it two wins on the bounce, but with Dan Gilkes at the back, Scunthorpe’s run of heat advantages had been stopped.

After a pair of shared heats won by Luke Harrison and Charles Wright respectively, Scunthorpe edged further ahead in heat six as Pickering continued on his merry way with another classy win, and with Mountain pipping Ace Pijper on the line, Redcar were eight down and without a heat advantage. 

Heat 7 saw another win for Harrison, but with the Bears pairing of Jason Edwards and Jake Mulford packing the minor placings, Redcar did not lose further ground. The next heat saw an incredible pass from Simon Lambert as he squeezed through the smallest of gaps to pass Ablitt for the win, but with Mountain passing Scott, Redcar remained eight in arrears.  

Heat 9 saw Parr play his tactical substitute as Wright joined Jake Allen at the tapes, with Redcar in desperate need of a heat advantage. With the travelling Bears’ support hoping Parr’s decision would pay dividends, Wright forced his way to the front, and with Allen 2nd, suddenly, the Bears were within 4 of the Scorpions. 

However, just as Redcar thought they were bouncing back into contention, the hosts showed exactly why they boast an unbeaten home record. Pickering won, and despite Mulford’s best efforts, Mountain finished 2nd, handing Scunthorpe a big 5-1 to re-establish an 8 point lead.

Remarkably, the Scorpions have recorded a heat advantage in heat 10 in every league home meeting this season!

Heat 11 saw the impressive Harrison somehow hold off the faster looking Wright to win, but with Ingram 4th, Redcar still had a glimmer of hope. 

Heat 12 saw a lot of the hope evaporate as Gilkes won, and with Ablitt 3rd, Scunthorpe were 41-31 ahead and closing in on a place at the top of the Cab Direct Championship table.   

Heat 13 saw Scunthorpe secure the spoils with their fourth 4-2 as Pickering completed his programmed rides with another win despite the close attentions of Wright, and with Harrison 3rd, (despite losing out on the chance of a maximum), the Scorpions had won with 2 heats to spare. 

The penultimate heat saw Ingram round off another impressive night around the Eddie Wright Raceway with a win, and with Palm-Toft 3rd, it was the hosts 7th heat advantage. Heat 15 saw Pickering complete his full maximum with his 5th win, and with Harrison 3rd, the Scorpions had secured all 3 points (including the aggregate bonus) on home shale. 

Scunthorpe Scorpions : 53 (101)

1. Josh Pickering = 15 MAX

2. Connor Mountain = 4+2

3. Dan Gilkes = 4+1

4. Michael Palm Toft = 4

5. Luke Harrison = 11

6. Ryan Ingram = 9

7. Nathan Ablitt = 6+1

Redcar Bears : 37 (79)

1. Charles Wright = 14

2. Simon Lambert = 4+1

3. Jake Mulford = 4+2

4. Jason Edwards = 7

5. Jake Allen = 6+1

6. Ace Pijper = 0

7. Jody Scott = 2+1

REDCAR returned to winning ways after a stunning speedway meeting as they overcame a spirited Workington side 46-44 at the ECCO Arena.

The highlight of the meeting came from the returning Bears legend Charles Wright in heat 13 who produced two stunning passes to win the race and send the home crowd into raptures. Teenage sensation Jody Scott top scored for the “Agilia” Bears with 15 whilst Drew Kemp led the Comets charge with an impressive 15+1.

Bears boss Gavin Parr admits consistency is an issue after an ECCO Arena classic. Parr said, “ I always thought Workington would give us a tough battle and so it proved. Things are a bit of a rollercoaster for us at the moment as most of the riders are searching for more consistency but we will keep working hard and try to come up with the answers.”

Wright’s return to the sport looked like it had got off to the worst possible start in heat one as he went through the tapes, but due to a tapes malfunction, all four riders were invited back for the re-run.

The re-run saw Wright pass Niklas Holm Jakobsen (who had replaced Vinnie Foord due to machinery issues) on bend two for the lead, and with Lambert ending lap one by going underneath Jakobsen, it looked set to be the dream start for Redcar until the Dane clipped Lambert’s back wheel and both men took a nasty tumble.

After a delay for medical attention to both, Jakobsen was excluded and withdrawn with a suspected wrist injury with Lambert and his machine battered and bruised. The 3rd staging saw Lambert excluded as his bike was not ready after the collision and Scott replaced the Bears number two.

The final staging of the race saw Wright gate, but with Jonas Jeppesen all over the skippers back wheel, heat one was far from done. Jeppesen looked to have passed Wright entering the final lap, but Wright blocked his run. However, Jeppesen dived inside Wright on bend three, only for the British number 2 to produce a mesmerising cutback to win, and with Scott 3rd, Redcar eventually began with a heat advantage.

The reserves race saw Ace Pijper lead from the gate, but the Bears starlet made a mess of bend three of the opening lap, allowing the lone Comet Max Perry through for the win in a shared heat on Teesside.

Kemp started his evening in scintillating style as he comfortably won heat three, and with Tate Zischke 2nd, the visitors hit the front. However, Redcar returned the favour in heat four as Scott rode a superb outside line to pass Perry, and with the Comets reserve focused on his compatriot, Allen stormed up the inside on the line to take 2nd and give Redcar a two point lead.

After Jeppesen passed Mulford to secure his first chequered flag of the night in a shared heat five, Wright made it two from two in heat six, and with Lambert battling past Perry on the last bend, the Bears had snuck into a 20-16 lead.

However, the Comets engine room pairing hit back again, this time in heat seven as Kemp won convincingly, and with Zischke passing Allen, the six man Comets were back level.

Scott continued his superb 2026 with a comfortable heat eight win, and with Lambert passing both Comets, Redcar’s four point lead was re-established. However, this was the end of the road for Lambert as the effects of his heat one crash saw him withdraw from the meeting.

After Batchelor won a shared heat nine, Kemp lowered Wright’s colours for the first time as he won heat 10, but with Zischke 4th, Redcar remained ahead.

Heat 11 saw the impressive Jeppesen win after an exciting tussle with Allen, but with Foord’s nightmare evening ending with another retirement, the gap remained at four points.

Heat 12 saw Scott gate and win convincingly , and with Jake Mulford riding an incredibly intelligent outside line to take the paid win, Kemp’s colours were lowered and Redcar had a 40-32 lead, much to the delight of the Bears fans.

After the interval, the aforementioned heat 13 saw Wright remind everyone why he is the King.

Batchelor and Jeppesen led convincingly from the gate and looked set to hit back with a maximum. However, Wright built up his speed and passed Jeppesen entering lap three. As the skipper kept plugging away on the outside, Batchelor turned his head to look for Wright on the inside entering lap four, but Wright flew around the outside and took the lead on the backstraight and secured the win with everyone inside the stadium struggling to believe what they had just seen.

With Wright’s win ensuring a shared race, Workington team manager Barry Collins used his tactical substitute in heat 14. The decision worked perfectly as Zischke won, and with tactical substitute Kemp 2nd, we had the sixth last heat decider of the season on home shale.

Heat 15 saw Kemp and Jeppesen gate, but Wright and Mulford both dived up the inside of the Dane entering lap two. However, Jeppesen made short work of Mulford but was some way behind Wright. However, every Redcar fan held their breath as Wright lifted violently on lap three but somehow regained control and then settled for second to secure a 46-44 home win.

Redcar Bears = 46

1. Charles Wright = 12+1
2. Simon Lambert = 3+1 Withdrawn
3. Jake Mulford = 5+2
4. Jason Edwards = 4+1
5. Jake Allen = 5+1
6. Ace Pijper = 2+2
7. Jody Scott = 15

Workington Comets = 44

1. Jonas Jeppesen = 10+1
2. Vinnie Foord = 1
3. Drew Kemp = 15+1
4. Tate Zischke = 7+2
5. Troy Batchelor = 7
6. Niklas Holm Jakobsen = 0 WITHDRAWN
7. Max Perry = 4