Category: Bears News

The Redcar Ecco Finishing Bears have made 2 further changes ahead of their Championship League encounter with Berwick at the Media Prima Arena this Thursday, subject to BSPA approval.

Making their debuts for the Bears alongside Thomas Jorgensen will be talented young French prospect Dimitri Bergé and rising British star Nathan Greaves.

Bergé comes in to replace Matej Kus, who has struggled to recapture the form he showed when last racing in the UK whilst Greaves replaces Tobias Busch, who has a hand injury, on a 28 day contract.

Team manager and co-promoter Jitendra Duffill added, “Results so far this season have been very disappointing and we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to strengthen. I knew that we would have a few points to play with from June 1st and I have considered every option available to us. Bringing in Thomas and Dimitri gives us the 2 heat leaders that we have been missing so far this year and our side now has a much better balance to it. We have a lot of work to do from here and although it will be very difficult for us to push for a play off place, that doesn’t mean that we should give up and I hope this proves to our supporters that we are doing our best to put things right.”

Duffill was also keen to express his thanks to Matej Kus for his efforts this year. “I’m quite upset to be honest at having to let Matej go. He has made every effort possible to put things right and I still think that he will come good very soon. He is much better than he has shown so far this year, but both the rider and club are under extreme pressure to perform so I believe this is now the best move for both parties. Everyone here at Redcar wish him well and I’m sure he will be snapped up quickly by another club.”

Bergé is known to Bears supporters after a short spell with Redcar in 2015. He arrives on an average of 6.91 which he achieved riding for Sheffield in 2016. Duffill added, “Dimitri is very excited to be back racing in the UK and the Media Prima Arena will suit him well. He is a rider who thrives on big/fast tracks and I am sure he will be very quick around our circuit. His signing will give us extra strength at the top end of our team and with current rider availability poor, I think we have done well to tempt him back to Redcar.”

Tobias Busch sustained nasty burns to his left hand last week after a freak accident at home. With no definite timescale on his recovery and the only facility available to the Bears being rider replacement, Duffill doesn’t want to take any risks and has opted for a 28 day replacement in Nathan Greaves. Greaves is currently racing for Wolverhampton in the SGB Premiership and comes in on a converted average of 3.89, well over half a point lower than the 4.51 he achieved racing for Ipswich last year. “Nathan was very impressive last week when guesting for us against Sheffield. He is a rider that never gives up and I am sure he will do a good job for us at reserve. He is a rider I rate highly and he is very keen to make an impression. It gives Tobias time to recover from his injuries as I am reluctant to use a rider unless they are at 100%. We must perform well over the next few weeks as we aim to climb the league table and restore supporter confidence.”

Bears fans will be able to watch Dimitri Bergé race before Thursday as he will be riding for France in the FIM Speedway Of Nations in Manchester tomorrow night. The meeting will be screened live from the National Speedway Stadium on BT Sports at 6.30pm.

Redcar Ecco Finishing Bears have released Matej Kus from the side and hope to be able to name his replacement, pending BSPA approval, within the next 48 hours.

“Matej has immense talent but just hasn’t showed it often enough this season.” said co- promoter Kevin Keay. “The team hasn’t performed to expectations and we can’t afford to wait any longer for the real Matej to come forward so we have to make changes now. On his low average I’m sure he will be snapped up by another club and start banging in big scores again but sadly that won’t be with the Bears. He’s a smashing guy and we wish him well but we have the chance to strengthen and we need to take it.”

With Tobias Busch now having serious burn injuries and Ben Barker also on the injury list this may not be the only change for this week’s matches against the Bandits from Berwick.
Jitendra Duffill should have some exciting news to announce very soon on the team front and this will be released as soon as we have the required approval from the BSPA.

Ben Barker has targeted the British Final at Belle Vue for his return and will be visiting the medics later this week to confirm his intentions.

Next weekend the Media Prima Arena plays hosts to the Dirt track racers with racing on both Saturday evening and all day Sunday with qualifying on Saturday afternoon.
Entry is FREE so get down to the track to see the mayhem that is Dirt track racing!

Despite a brave effort from a depleted Redcar ‘Ecco Finishing’ Bears, they fell to a 50-40 defeat at home to Sheffield on Friday night, meaning their KO Cup dream is over for another season.

Against a good Sheffield team, it was a battling performance from the Bears. Jordan Stewart continued his excellent form with 11+1, with guest Michael Palm Toft scoring 11 and Jonas B Andersen also scoring 11.

Ex-Bear Charles Wright top scored for Sheffield with 14 points. 

Bears promoter Kevin Keay was pleased with the efforts of his makeshift side:

We asked the lads to battle for every point and I’m proud to say they did. We can hold our heads up as we gave them a hard battle and we move on to the next match with the same attitude.

Redcar Bears = 40 (68)

1. Michael Palm Toft (G) – 3, 2, 1, 2, 3 = 11
2. Tobias Busch R/R (NG 1, NG 1′, JBA 2, JS 0)
3. Jonas B. Andersen – 3, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1 = 11
4. Matej Kus – 2′, FX, 0 = 2+1
5. Rob Shuttleworth (G) – 0, 0, 0 = 0
6. Nathan Greaves (G) – 1, 1, 1′, 1′, 1′, 0 = 5+3
7. Jordan Stewart – 3, 2, 2, 1′, 2, 1 = 11+1
8. Gavin Parr –

Sheffield Tigers = 50 (94)

1. Kyle Howarth – 0, 3, 3, 1 = 7
2. Todd Kurtz – 1, 2′, 3, 0 = 6+1
3. Jan Graversen – 0, 1, 2′, 3, 0 = 6+1
4. Lasse Bjerre – 1, 3, 3, 3 = 10
5. Charles Wright – 3, 3, 3, 3, 2 = 14
6. Jack Smith – 0, X, 1, 0 = 1
7. James Shanes – 2, 1, 0, 2′ = 5+1

The decimated Redcar Ecco Finishing Bears have received the news that Ben Barker suffered a multi fractured collarbone and ribs in last night’s crash at Sheffield and Jack Parkinson- Blackburn dislocated his shoulder and damaged an ankle. The club wishes both riders a speedy recovery. 

The Bears have brought in Michael Palm-Toft as a guest tonight to replace Barker with Nathan Greaves replacing the missing Mikkel B. Andersen ( recalled to Denmark). Rob Shuttleworth will act as the replacement for Parkinson- Blackburn.

Kevin Keay appealed for the fans to get behind the club in this difficult period: “Now is the time for the fans to show their support and get behind the club. We need to fight both on and off track to keep the club moving forward. This is when true supporters show there colours and understand the situation we find ourselves in. We may not win the tie overall but we will be doing our utmost to make the Tigers fight for it.

Ben Duffill is working overtime behind the scenes on the team front and we just may even have some good news in the next few days.”

Following the injuries to Ben Barker and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn last night at Sheffield, the Redcar Bears have now brought in Michael Palm Toft and Rob Shuttleworth in their place. We thank them for stepping in on short notice. 

The lineup for the Bears is now: Michael Palm Toft, r/r for Tobias Busch, Jonas B Andersen, Matej Kus, Rob Shuttleworth, Nathan Greaves, Jordan Stewart

The latest news we have is that Ben Barker suffered a broken Collarbone and a broken rib, whilst Parkinson-Blackburn suffered a dislocated shoulder. We wish both riders all the best in their recoveries. 

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing’ Bears suffered a tough night at Sheffield on Thursday night, losing 44-28 with the meeting being abandoned after 12 heats due to the 10pm curfew being reached.

A heat 12 crash involving Bears number 1 Ben Barker and guest Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, which involved both riders being treated on track by the ambulance, was the final action of the night. We wish both riders a very speedy recovery, and will provide an update on their injuries once known.

Jordan Stewart and Mikkel B Andersen continued their fine form at reserve, with Stewart scoring 10+1 and Andersen 8+1. Ex-Bear Charles Wright top scored for the Tigers with 9 points. 

Sheffield Tigers = 44 

1. Kyle Howarth : 2, 3, 3 = 8
2. Todd Kurtz : 1′, 2′, 3, 2′ = 8+3
3. Jan Graversen : 1′, 1, 1, 3 = 6
4. Lasse Bjerre : 2, 3, 3 = 8
5. Charles Wright : 3, 3, 3 = 9 MAXIMUM
6. Jack Smith : 0, 1, 0 = 1
7. James Shanes : 1, 1, 1, 1 = 4

Redcar Bears = 28 

1. Ben Barker : 0, 2, 2, F/X = 4
2. Tobias Busch R/R : (MBA – 3, MK – 0, JBA – 0, JS – 1′ = 4+1)
3. Jonas B Andersen : 0, F/X, 0, 1, (JS – F/X) = 1
4. Matej Kus : 3, 0, 2, 0 = 5
5. Jack Parkinson Blackburn (G) : 0, 0, (JS – 2) = 0
6. Mikkel B Andersen : 3, 2′, 1, F, 2 = 8+1
7. Jordan Stewart : 3, 2, 2, 2, 1′, F/X = 10+1

The sides meet again on Friday night at the Media Prima Arena, with a 7:30pm start.

There is one further Redcar change to bring you for the clash against Sheffield on Friday Night at the Media Prima Arena.

Mikkel B Andersen is now required to ride for his Danish club Region Varde on Friday. Exciting British youngster Nathan Greaves will guest in his place. 

The Redcar Ecco Finishing Bears have received the frustrating news that new signing Thomas Jorgensen is suffering from a severe chest infection and will miss his Premiership fixture for Kings Lynn tonight. The consequences of this is that Thomas will receive a mandatory 7 day suspension of his SCB license which will rule him out of the Bears Knock Out Cup fixtures against Sheffield this Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately, this means that Redcar will have to run with a National League guest to replace him as no facility is available for a rider who has not yet represented his club on track. 

Team Manager and Co-Promoter Jitendra Duffill commented:

“I’m absolutely gutted to hear that Thomas will be unable to make his debut for us this week. I honestly cannot believe the bad luck we are having at the moment and it’s difficult coping with the stress our situation is presenting. I found out yesterday afternoon that Thomas wasn’t feeling well but we had already redeclared our team to the BSPA late Sunday evening due to being required to give 3 full days notice when making a line up change. We have been waiting on BSPA approval and all we could do at that point was hope for the best. I’ve spoken to Thomas this afternoon and he is as frustrated as we are, but his health is the most important thing here and it is essential that he rests until he feels fit enough to race again. Everyone here at Redcar wishes him a speedy recovery.”

The Bears will now use Jack Parkinson-Blackburn as a guest this Thursday and Friday. “Jack has kindly agreed to step in and help us out at short notice. He is a very talented young British rider who is keen to do well but there will be absolutely no pressure on his shoulders over these two meetings from us. We now face a very difficult battle against Sheffield over the next 2 days with the odds tipped well in Sheffield’s favour, but we cannot do anything about our circumstances. It’s just terribly unfortunate that things have worked out this way and we will just have to go into these fixtures with a positive frame of mind and give it our best shot” said Duffill.

Thomas Jorgensen will now make his debut for the Ecco Finishing Bears on Thursday 7th June at home to Berwick. 

Redcar ‘ECCO Finishing Supplies’ Bears host the Sheffield Tigers in KO Cup action on Friday this week, with hopefully a new face in the line-up!

After releasing Theo Pijper earlier in the week, Danish star Thomas Jorgensen comes into the line-up to replace him, subject to BSPA approval being granted. Jorgensen is a rider who normally goes well round the Media Prima Arena, and co-promoter Jitendra Duffill is happy to bring him into the team:

I have brought in Thomas Jorgensen which should help to strengthen the top end of our side and we should see an improvement in our performances as a result. Thomas comes in on a 7.77 average and he has always shown a liking for our track. He is a rider I rate highly and I’m pleased to have eventually secured his signature after trying to sign him at the beginning of both 2017 and 2018! Fortunately he has had a change of heart as he initially didn’t want to ride Championship Speedway and I’m sure he will prove to be very popular.

To bring a new rider in inevitably means one has to depart, and Duffill admits it was difficult letting Theo go:

I’d like to thank Theo for his efforts this year. It’s always very difficult to let a rider go, especially one I like having around so much. Theo has tried everything to get back to the form he is capable of but our run of poor results so far means that somebody had to go. In all honesty there was a case for a few of our team to make way for Thomas, but my priority is to get us winning at home and unfortunately for Theo, he was averaging the lowest of our 7 this year around the MPA. I’m sure that everyone has their own options on who should have made way, but the whole point of making a change is to strengthen and I won’t let sentiments or politics get in the way of us fielding our best side.

It has been a tough couple of weeks for all involved with the club, but this week’s meeting at Sheffield on Thursday and at home in the return on Friday offer the Bears a chance to turn things around. It will not be easy though, as Sheffield are a strong side who have a good record around the Media Prima Arena. Duffill hopes this is the start of a positive run:

It’s been a very tough start to the season for everybody, club and fans alike. Now we have an opportunity to put things right and we must remain positive. Sheffield were dominant here a few weeks ago in the Championship Shield so we are very keen to make amends for that. I think we look much stronger with Thomas Jorgensen at number 5 and it will take a little pressure off Matej Kus who moves to number 4. Things must improve from this week and we won’t rule out further changes in the coming weeks if form doesn’t improve and other options become available. However, I still believe we are capable of doing much better.

The Bears will be without German Tobias Busch for the two meetings. As he was ill with a non-speedway injury for the Newcastle match on Sunday, his license is automatically suspended for 1 week. Rider replacement will operate to cover his rides. Sheffield, who include ex-Bears Charles Wright, Lasse Bjerre and Jan Graversen in their ranks, are at full strength.

Redcar: Ben Barker, r/r for Busch, Jonas B Andersen, Matej Kus, Thomas Jorgensen, Mikkel B Andersen, Jordan Stewart

Sheffield: Kyle Howarth, Todd Kurtz, Jan Graversen, Lasse Bjerre, Charles Wright, Jack Smith, James Shanes

The Redcar Ecco Finishing Supplies Bears, after yesterday’s terrible result at Newcastle ,have parted company with Dutchman Theo Pijper with his replacement about to be confirmed pending B.S.P.A. approval. Co-Promoter Kevin Keay said:

The team has simply not performed consistently enough throughout and we need to strengthen as quickly as possible. Unfortunately for Theo he has become a victim of the numbers game as we need to bring in a higher averaged rider to improve the top end of the team to give Ben Barker some support. Theo has done nothing wrong, he has been consistent in his performances and a pleasure to deal with but we need to act now . He had put a lot of time and effort into his equipment but was not getting the reward it deserved and a section of the fans were being disrespectful towards him which is disappointing so it’s time to move on. The top five haven’t performed as they should putting unnecessary pressure elsewhere so team changes are required and we may make other changes if the option becomes available. I personally would like to thank Theo for his effort and commitment to the club and sincerely hope he gets fixed up elsewhere very soon.

The Bears hope to have the required approval to put the new signing in the team for this week’s fixtures against Sheffield Tigers in the K.O.Cup with Redcar hosting Sheffield this FRIDAY 1st of June.