Category: Bears News

THE LEICESTER Lion Cubs took their second win of 2025 with an emphatic 34-56 away win against the Middlesbrough Tigers in the WSRA National League. The currently undefeated Lion Cubs were led brilliantly by their hotshot reserve Cooper Rushen who struck a 17+1 paid maximum whilst Tom Spencer hit a valiant nine for the Tigers. 

The Lion Cubs number one Ben Trigger began proceedings with a tapes to flag win at his former home track despite strong pressure from Ace Pijper, but with Lion Cubs guest Harry Fletcher at the back, the opening heat was shared. 

Heat two saw the majestic Rushen begin with a serene win, and with Ryan Ingram 2nd, Leicester hit the front after two heats on Teesside. 

Heat three began positively for the Tigers with Spencer first, and with Kai Ward 2nd, the hosts looked set to level. However, Ward was passed by Max Perry and then fell on lap three, meaning Middlesbrough remained four adrift at 7-11. 

Leicester then doubled their early advantage in heat four, but not after a restart. The original staging saw Danny Phillips gate well but the referee deemed Phillips was moving at the start and ordered a re-run with the captain of the Tigers issued with a warning. The re-run saw Rushen win again, and with Max James 2nd, Leicester were in command. 

After a pair of shared races won by Trigger and James, Leicester struck their 3rd heat advantage as Max Perry won, and with Sonny Springer passing Phillips for 3rd, Middlesbrough were struggling against the reigning league champions. 

Rushen continued his sublime showing with another win in a shared heat eight, but the “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS” hit back with a superb heat nine 5-1. Tom Spencer continued his upwards trajectory with an impressive tapes to flag win, and with Ward in an equally impressive 2nd, Middlesbrough were within six of Leicester. 

Following Ace Pijper’s opening win of the meeting in a shared heat 10, the Lion Cubs took a huge stride towards victory in heat 11 as Trigger won, and with Rushen joining Trigger at the front after battling past Phillips, the visitors restored their double digit advantage. 

Leicester moved to the brink of victory in heat 12 as Perry held off Ward, and with Ingram also keeping Rathbone at the rear, the visitors were in cruise control. After Trigger withdrew through injury, Rushen replaced the ex-Tiger in heat 13, and with Rushen winning yet again alongside James in 2nd, Leicester wrapped up the win with two heats remaining. 

Springer wrapped up his afternoon’s work with a heat 14 win, and with Ingram 3rd, Leicester recorded their 7th heat advantage. The final heat saw another Rushen win, and another Lion Cubs 5-1 as Perry took 2nd to send the Lion Cubs fans home happy. 

Middlesbrough Tigers = 34

1. Ace Pijper = 7

2. Jamie Halder = 3+3

3. Kai Ward = 5+2

4. Tom Spencer = 9

5. Danny Phillips = 3

6. Stene Pijper = 4

7. Ben Rathbone = 3

Leicester Lion Cubs = 56

1. Ben Trigger = 9

2. Harry Fletcher (G) = 0

3. Max Perry = 11+2

4. Sonny Springer = 7+1

5. Max James = 8+2

6. Ryan Ingram = 4+17. Cooper Rushen = 17+1 (Paid Max)

MIDDLESBROUGH number three Kai Ward has challenged his teammates to “start fast and put the Lion Cubs on the back foot” as the Middlesbrough Tigers aim to bounce back to winning ways this afternoon after the side’s home defeat last time out against Edinburgh. 

The WSRA National League clash at the ECCO Arena gets underway at 3pm with British Youth Action (2pm) preceding the main meeting with gates opening at 12:30 on Teesside. 

Ward, in his second year in “Heat Floors” powered by “STS” Tigers’ colours, knows the challenge his side will face. Ward said, “ Leicester are well known for having strong teams at this level so we need to take it to them and get the win as we lost to them here last season.”

The youngster is also keen to improve on his last performance for the Tigers where he had an off night. Ward said, “ As I had been riding grass track before Edinburgh, I was racing the speedway bike like it was a grasstrack bike when it’s a totally different technique. However, I was back on the speedway bike for Plymouth twice this week which has been really helpful.”

Ward’s improvement has seen him move into the main body of the side, and the Devon based man believes it is a spot he can hold down. Ward said, “ I believe I can stay in the main body. I know I have a few things to work on to stay there but I know I can make big improvements out of the starts which will help me stay in the top 1-5.”

The Brit was also effusive in his praise for Ben Rathbone (7+2) and Ace Pijper (15, full maximum) who both impressed last time out. Ward said, “ Ben’s confidence is improving all of the time and I’m sure he will put in another good performance. Ace was also on top form against Edinburgh, so hopefully he can replicate that so we can get the win.”

Both sides have declared their full strength 1-7’s with former Tiger Ben Trigger and the exciting Cooper Rushen the star names for the Lion Cubs. 

Fans are reminded that tickets cost only £10 for the meeting with any supporters unable to attend reminded that the meeting will be live streamed for £6 @ www.redcar-speedway.tv 

Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS”

1. Ace Pijper

2) Jamie Halder

3) Kai Ward

4) Tom Spencer

5) Danny Phillips (C)

6) Stene Pijper

7) Ben Rathbone

™: Brian Turner

Leicester Lion Cubs 

1. Ben Trigger 

2) Eli Meadows 

3) Max Perry 

4) Sonny Springer 

5) Max James (C)

6) Ryan Ingram 

7) Cooper Rushen 

™: Jen Crossland

REDCAR star Danny King believes his “Agilia” Bears side are capable of beating any Cab Direct Championship side over two legs. Redcar head north to take on Edinburgh in another important Cab Direct Championship clash with tapes up at 7pm at Armadale. 

King, who withdrew during Redcar’s Berwick defeat with a hand injury, is ready to help his side in another key battle. King said, “ We can beat anyone over two legs, a lot is going to come down to the bonus points overall and despite losing at Berwick we did keep it close.”

Redcar hold a 10 point lead over the Monarchs in the battle for the aggregate point, and Edinburgh must make do without their number one, Victor Palovaara who is on European duty, with Richard Lawson guesting in his place. 

However, King does not believe the change makes much difference to the Monarchs. King said, “ Victor has hardly dropped a point around there this season but Richard is a very good rider so I see it as a like for like change.”

The Brit was also quick to dismiss concerns around the form of Erik Riss with some supporters disappointed with the German’s performance at Berwick. King said, “ Erik is a world class rider, I am certainly not worried about him, the track was tricky and he had a tough night, it happens. However, Armadale is a track he likes so I’m not concerned about Erik at any track, at all.”

Redcar bring in Joe Thompson to guest for the injured Jason Edwards and King is excited to be pairing up with the Plymouth man in the engine room. King explained, “ Joe is a good lad who also likes riding Armadale, I rode with him at Ipswich for a little while and I know the family well so hopefully these things work in our favour and we get another Bears victory.”

Despite the promotion bringing in more than adequate guests for Edwards, King admits he is missing him in the engine room. King said, “ I am missing Jason, we only started riding together this year but we have really hit it off so hopefully he will be back soon.”

Edinburgh bring in the aforementioned Lawson for Palovaara at one whilst Joe Thompson deputises for Edwards at three for Redcar. Edinburgh will be looking to their ex-Bear Michael Palm-Toft to spearhead their charge with the Monarchs also in their own play-off hunt. 

Any fans who are unable to make the trip north are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed at www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk/emtv 

Edinburgh Monarchs

1. Richard Lawson 9.30
2. Kye Thomson 5.53
3. Justin Sedgmen 7.35
4. Paco Castagna 6.92 ©
5. Michael Palm-Toft 7.80
6. Jonatan Grahn 3.36
7. Jordy Loftus 2.00

™: John Campbell

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1) Charles Wright 8.80 ©

2) Jake Mulford 4.87

3) Joe Thompson 6.23 (G)

4) Danny King 8.47

5) Erik Riss 7.17

6) Jody Scott 2.00

7) Ace Pijper 3.21

™: Gavin Parr

Tonight’s Championship clash away to Edinburgh has been postponed. A new staging date will advised once known.

BEARS boss Gavin Parr has challenged his “Agilia” Bears side to go back to back and make it two wins in less than 24 hours. Redcar travel north to take on the Berwick Bandits with tapes up at 7pm at Shielfield Park. 

Parr, who was pleased with his side’s strong showing against Edinburgh last night, believes his septet can do the job and pick up their first away Cab Direct Championship win of the season.

Parr said, ” The boys are full of confidence, Berwick are a good side but I believe we can go and do the job. I’ve got full confidence in the septet that we can pull off a result.”

The bullish boss was also quick to praise the Redcar reserve duo of Ace Pijper and Jody Scott who “were the difference against Edinburgh”. 

Parr said, ” Both of our reserves had superb evenings last night and that will help with their confidence. Ace beat Dayle Wood three times last week so he should have that in his mind tonight and with his confidence rising, he will be an asset for us as he has done a lot of laps around Berwick.”

Parr also believes tonight’s clash will be won or lost at reserve. Parr explained, ” I think both side’s top 5’s could cancel each other out and I think the reserves could be crucial. However, Jack Smith has a habit of winning heat two and overall, it makes for an intriguing meeting.”

The former rider turned team manager also lavished praise on Danny King, who is in red-hot form in 2025. Parr said, ” Danny is an invaluable asset, he’s having a season that we know he can have. Last season he struggled with injury but this is the Danny King of old. Danny is in the engine room and he is the engine that is making us look like a formidable side.”

Redcar bring in Simon Lambert for Jason Edwards, and Parr is confident Lambert will do the job. Parr said, ” Simon approached me about racing for us today, he has had his engines sorted and in his words, he has turned a corner. He really likes the Berwick track and his scores reflect that so I’ve got no qualms about him doing the business.”

Berwick bring in Glasgow’s Kyle Howarth as a guest for the injured Peter Kildemand. Craig Cook leads the Bandits at number one whilst popular ex-Bear and Berwick skipper, Danyon Hume lines up at number three. 

Any fans who are unable to travel north are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by BSN @ www.watch.britishspeedway.co.uk

Berwick Bandits 

1 Craig Cook 8.47

2 Sam Hagon 3.82

3 Danyon Hume © 4.89

4 Drew Kemp 7.29

5 Kyle Howarth (G) 7.71

6 Dayle Wood 2.00

7 Jack Smith 3.67

™: Stewart Dickson

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright 8.80 ©

2 Jake Mulford 4.87

3 Simon Lambert 6.23 (G)

4 Danny King 8.47

5 Erik Riss 7.17

6 Jody Scott 2.00

7 Ace Pijper 3.21

TM: Gavin Parr

REDCAR picked up their second Cab Direct Championship win of the season with a 50-40 win over a resilient Edinburgh Monarchs at the ECCO Arena. 

The Bears strength in depth helped secure the win with Charles Wright hitting 13 whilst Paco Castagna scored paid 11 for the visitors. Redcar’s reserves proved the difference with Ace Pijper (8) and Jody Scott (5+2), outscoring the Edinburgh reserves by nine points. 

The “Agilia” Bears began with Wright overhauling Victor Palovaara on the opening lap for the win, but with Jake Mulford at the back, Redcar could not gain a heat advantage in the opening race.

Heat two saw the red-hot Redcar reserves produce a superb maximum 5-1 as Pijper made it six wins from his last six races with a clever pass on the opening bends for the win, and with Scott joining Pijper at the front, the hosts had an 8-4 advantage on Teesside. 

The Bears made it three heat winners on the spin as the in-form Danny King took the win, but with Tate Zischke being passed by Castagna, Redcar could not extend their early lead. 

However, heat four saw Redcar extend their lead as Erik Riss took a customary tapes to flag win, and with Pijper 3rd, the Bears had a commanding advantage after four heats at the ECCO Arena. 

Redcar produced their 2nd maximum heat advantage of the night as King won well, and with Zischke holding off both Monarchs for 2nd, the large Bears crowd had another heat advantage to cheer, as well as a healthy 10 point advantage. 

Nevertheless, the Monarchs were never going to back down and they secured their first heat advantage in heat six. Their new signing and ex-Bear Michael Palm-Toft used his knowledge of the ECCO Arena circuit to hold off a hard charging Wright on the run to the line for the win, and with Jonatan Grahn in 3rd, Edinburgh reduced the arrears to eight points.

Castagna took his opening win of the match with a blistering pass on Riss on the opening lap, but with Scott and Riss team riding to keep Sedgmen at the rear, the Monarchs remained eight behind. 

Pijper continued his resurgence with a heat eight success in a shared race, and Palm-Toft made it eight points from nine with a classy heat nine win, but with Grahn struggling at the rear, the Bears were still in command. 

Heat 10 saw a classic encounter as Castagna looked to have scouted Wright’s every move, until the skipper produced a superb inside pass on the run to the line for the win, but with Pijper 4th, it was four shared heats on the spin on Teesside. 

However, the impasse was shattered by the Monarchs in heat 11 as Kye Thomsen and Victor Palovaara took a 5-1 over Riss and Scott to bring Edinburgh within striking distance of the Bears at 35-31. 

Heat 12 was a vital one, and after a tapes issue in the original staging, Zischke took a priceless win, and with Pijper capping his fine evening off with a 3rd place ahead of Grahn, Redcar extended their lead to six points with three heats remaining. 

After Palovaara took an impressive heat 13 win in a shared encounter, Redcar secured the spoils with the 8th shared heat of the match as Castagna won, but with Loftus 4th, the hosts had picked up another home win. 

Heat 15 saw Redcar add the exclamation mark to another solid showing as Wright and King out-trapped Castagna and Palovaara to add the glos, (which will be important for next week’s bonus point) on another home win. 

Redcar = 50

1. Charles Wright = 13

2. Jake Mulford = 0

3. Tate Zischke (G) = 6+2

4. Danny King = 12+1

5. Erik Riss = 6+2

6. Jody Scott = 5+2

7. Ace Pijper = 8

Edinburgh = 40

1. Victor Palovaara = 7+1

2. Kye Thomson = 6+2

3. Justin Sedgmen = 5+1

4. Paco Castagna = 10+1

5. Michael Palm Toft = 8

6. Jonatan Grahn = 4

7. Jordy Loftus = 0

REDCAR team boss Gavin Parr has urged his side to keep “plundering the points” ahead of Redcar’s home fixture against the in-form Edinburgh Monarchs tomorrow. Tapes up are at 7:30pm at the ECCO Arena with the hosts aiming for their second home league win in 2025. 

The Cab Direct Championship clash is part of a busy weekend for the Bears who travel to Berwick less than 24 hours later and Parr is happy to have back to back meetings. 

Parr said, “ The league doesn’t seem to be in full swing yet so it will be nice to get the boys together for two meetings on the trot, starting with Edinburgh and it’s important we keep plundering the points to give us the best chance of the aggregate point at least.”

Redcar have drafted in Workington’s Tate Zischke for the meeting, with Parr excited to have the Aussie on board, despite bemoaning the absence of shoulder injury victim Jason Edwards. 

Parr said, “ Tate has not had the best start to 2025 but I’ve told him to come along and enjoy it, he scored eight points last time he was here so a repeat would be great. Jason will be a big miss on and off track but I’m confident we can cover for him over the next few weeks.”

Despite Redcar’s strong start to the campaign, the exuberant team boss has warned his side of the threat the Monarchs bring. Parr said, “ Edinburgh are a solid outfit, Micheal Palm-Toft rides the ECCO Arena very well, and it will be another tough match on Friday.”

The cycle speedway star admits it is a benefit for the “Agilia” Bears that Edinburgh’s free scoring Swede Victor Pavolaara has moved from reserve to number one. Parr said, “ It’s a benefit that he isn’t at reserve. We actually did make some initial enquiries about him in 2024 but he has been brilliant for Edinburgh so I’m happy he can’t have seven rides tomorrow.”

Parr has also lavished praise on the Bears fans, labelling them the noisiest in British Speedway! Parr said, “ The noise they make is fantastic, we have the loudest supporters in the sport in this country. The riders really appreciate it. If people have not been for a while please come along and make the atmosphere even better.”

Parr is also happy with Ace Pijper’s maximum for the Middlesbrough Tigers. Parr commented, “ Ace has had a good couple of meetings for the Bears already but his performance last Sunday for Middlesbrough should hopefully give him some confidence and push him on for Redcar.”

Redcar bring in the aforementioned Tate Zischke to cover for Jason Edwards whilst Edinburgh, who won away at Oxford 24 hours ago, track an unchanged side with Jordy Loftus set to make his second appearance at the ECCO Arena in five days.”

Any fans who are unable to attend the ECCO Arena are reminded that the meeting will be livestreamed at www.redcar-speedway.tv 

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) 8.80

2 – Jake Mulford 4.87

3 – Tate Zischke 6.23 (G)

4 – Danny King 8.47

5 – Erik Riss 7.17

6 – Jody Scott 2.00

7 – Ace Pijper 3.21

TM: Gavin Parr

EDINBURGH MONARCHS

1. Victor Palovaara 9.30

2. Kye Thomson 5.53

3. Justin Sedgmen 7.35

4. Paco Castagna (C) 6.92

5. Michael Palm Toft 7.80

6. Jonatan Grahn 3.36

7. Jordy Loftus 2.00

TM: John Campbell