Category: Bears News

REDCAR fell to their first league defeat of the season as Poole took a deserved 51-39 victory at Wimborne Road. 

The Pirates were especially strong in the first half of the meeting as they fired a warning to the rest of the Cab Direct Championship with a strong team display securing victory. Richard Lawson top scored with 13+1 for Poole whilst Danny King hit an impressive 14 for Redcar. 

The Pirates started the meeting in fine form as Tobias Thomsen and Lawson combined for a fairly comfortable 5-1 in the opening heat, with Charles Wright unable to recover from a tight opening second bend. 

Poole then doubled their advantage with another maximum as Paul Starke and Darryl Ritchings led from tapes to flag to give the current league champions early breathing space on home shale. 

Heat three saw superb action as Danny King used his Wimborne Road knowledge to great effect as he stormed past both Zach Cook and Lewi Kerr to take the win, but with the Bears guest Joe Thompson at the back, Redcar remained eight behind. 

Heat four saw more superb action as Erik Riss gated for the lead, but with Anders Rowe hot on his tail, Riss never had breathing space, and on the final bend, Rowe swooped around the outside of Riss to take the win, and with Ritchings 3rd, Redcar were in trouble at 17-7. 

After a shared heat five won by the Bears skipper Charles Wright, Poole stretched their advantage to 10 points in heat six, but not before some bike drama for Erik Riss. Riss was suffering with electrical problems with the Bears star eventually using Wright’s bike for the race.

Lawson took his tally to paid six from his two outings with the win, and with Thomsen third ahead of Redcar’s young guest Sonny Springer, the hosts were in command at Wimborne Road. 

Heat seven saw Redcar hit back as King took another win, and with Thompson making amends for his opening ride with an impressive 2nd, the Bears were back within eight of the Pirates. 

However, Poole regained their double digit advantage in heat eight as Thomsen passed Jake Mulford on bend two of the opening lap for the win, and with Ritchings 3rd, the Pirates were still in control. 

Redcar boss Gavin Parr played his tactical card in heat nine as he sent King out to partner Riss, but the Pirates pairing of Kerr and Cook ripped up the form book to bank a huge 5-1 for the hosts to stretch their advantage to 14, leaving Redcar with a mountain to climb. 

Heat 10 saw Lawson continue his winning run as he passed King on the opening bends for the three points, but with Thomsen at the back, Poole’s advantage remained at 14 points. 

After a shared heat 11 won by Wright, Poole struck their 7th heat advantage in heat 12 as Kerr gated and won well, and with Ritchings holding off a determined Springer for 3rd, Poole had officially secured the two Cab Direct Championship league points. 

Heat 13 saw Starke join Lawson at the tapes with ex-Bear Anders Rowe withdrawing from the closing stages of the meeting with a groin complaint. The race saw Lawson streak past both Bears on bend two of the opening lap for the win, but with Starke at the back, Poole could not record an 8th heat advantage. 

Heat 14 saw Redcar take a deserved heat advantage as King won, and with Ace Pijper picking up a confidence boosting 3rd place, the travelling Redcar fans had something to cheer. The final heat saw King lower the colours of an extremely determined Lawson, and with Wright 3rd, Redcar ended proceedings with back to back heat advantages. 

Poole Pirates : 51

1. Richard Lawson = 13+1

2. Tobias Thomsen = 7

3. Lewis Kerr = 10

4. Zach Cook = 6+3

5. Anders Rowe = 6

6. Paul Starke = 4+1

7. Darryl Ritchings = 5+1

Redcar Bears : 39

1. Charles Wright = 8+1

2. Jake Mulford = 2

3. Joe Thompson (G) = 5+2

4. Danny King = 14

5. Erik Riss = 8

6. Sonny Springer (G) = 0

7. Ace Pijper = 2  

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr has challenged his “Agilia” Bears side to go one better against Poole after running the reigning Cab Direct Champions extremely close over the last two seasons. Redcar travel to Wimborne Road to take on the Pirates with tapes up at 7:30pm. 

The ever enthusiastic team boss is confident in the side’s chances. Parr said, ” We have run Poole close every year I have been in charge and I believe we can go there and run them close again, but with the side we have, there’s no reason that we can’t go there and win.”

Redcar are forced to travel south without the services of Jody Scott who has an exam and Jason Edwards who picked up a shoulder injury at Kings Lynn on Monday. Scott will be covered by Sonny Springer whilst Joe Thompson will guest for Edwards. 

Parr knows both Bears will be a miss. Parr said, “Jody has an exam which we knew about before we signed him. Speedway can be a short career so Jody is right to put his education first. Sonny steps in and he is keen to do well and put himself in the shop window. 

Parr also commented on the injury to Jason Edwards, admitting it is a blow to the club. Parr explained “Unfortunately Jason is facing a period out which is a big blow, he is superb on and off track and he is a fantastic person to have in the pits.”

Parr also heaped praise on Redcar star Erik Riss who qualified for the Grand Prix challenge from Monday’s event in his native Germany. Parr said, ” Erik is back to his best if not better. He’s on the crest of a wave at the moment and that bodes well for the Bears.”

The current Cab Direct Champions are at full strength with ex-Bears Richard Lawson, Lewis Kerr and Anders Rowe leading their charge in the heat leader berths. 

Any fans who are unable to make the trip to Wimborne Road are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by BSN at www.watch.britishspeedway.co.uk 

Poole Pirates

1. Richard Lawson 9.40

2. Tobias Thomsen 4.78

3. Lewis Kerr 7.07

4. Zach Cook 6.49 ©

5. Anders Rowe 7.82

6. Paul Starke 3.70

7. Darryl Ritchings 2.00

TM. Neil Middleditch

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 Sonny Springer 2.00 (G)

7 Ace Pijper 3.21

™: Gavin Parr

Fans afternoon against the Edinburgh Monarchs Academy! Enjoy an afternoon of VIP luxury! Tapes Up 3pm Sunday.

Costs £14 (on top of your entrance). You get balcony seating, a programme, a buffet, a hot drink + a bar drink. Kids is £7 without the bar drink + a programme First come, first serve basis Interested? Contact Ian @ 07827293866 / email indrinkel@msn.com

REDCAR star Jason Edwards has heaped praise on the “Agilia” Bears fans ahead of Redcar’s trip to Plymouth tonight. Redcar face the Gladiators at the Coliseum with tapes up at 7pm, and incredibly, the Bears Supporters Group have a 16 seat minibus heading south!

Redcar travel without two of their septet with Erik Riss and Jake Mulford both required to be at SGP qualifier practise on the continent. Ex-Bear Ben Morley steps in for Mulford whilst rider replacement operates at two for Riss. 

Edwards, a fans favourite at the ECCO Arena, is blown away by the support the club gets home and away. Edwards said, “ I don’t know of many other clubs that would be able to fill a minibus for a near 800 mile round trip.”

The Redcar number three also believes the home support is helping the side. Edwards explained, “ The atmosphere at home against Oxford was great, the fans were packed into the ECCO Arena. Overall, I don’t think you can beat the Redcar fans to be honest.”

Edwards is happy with how his season is transpiring at Cab Direct Championship level in 2025. Edwards said, “ It’s been going nice and steadily so far this season and it’s been a really enjoyable start to the campaign. Over the last three years we’ve had a similar side so we are building on what we have year on year.”

‘The Billericay Blaster’ also heaped praise on his Bears teammate Danny King. Edwards said, “ Danny has been brilliant with the reserves, he has taken them under his wing and mentored the three boys we’ve had at reserve this season. He’s perfect for that role as he has so much experience in the sport.”

The former Gladiator is well aware of the threat that will be posed by the Gladiators on their home track. Edwards said, “ Plymouth have had plenty of laps around the Coliseum now. It’s always a tough place to go as it’s such a unique track.” 

Redcar, as previously mentioned must make do without the services of Jake Mulford and Erik Riss with Ben Morley coming in at number four whilst rider replacement operates for Riss with the Bears promotion exhausting all avenues in their search for a guest. All of the Bears riders apart from Charles Wright are eligible for a rider replacement outing.

Plymouth are at full strength ahead of the meeting with their skipper, and ex-Bear Ben Barker at number five whilst Nicolai Klindt leads the Gladiators in the number one berth. Plymouth have won three meetings from five at home this season with their team manager Garry May looking to build on the team’s impressive win over Poole in their last home fixture. 

Any fans who are unable to attend the fixture are reminded that the meeting will be available to livestream at https://www.gladiatorslive.com/

Plymouth Gladiators

1 Nicolai Klindt 9.89 

2 Alfie Bowtell 4.67  

3 Lasse Fredrksen 5.38

4 Joe Thompson 6.16 

5 Ben Barker 5.48 ©

6 Mitchell Cluff 3.00

7 Ben Trigger 3.41 

™: Garry May

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright 8.80 ©

2 Rider Replacement for Erik Riss 7.17

3 Jason Edwards 6.23

4 Ben Morley 4.87

5 Danny King 8.47

6 Jody Scott 2.00

7 Ace Pijper 3.21

™: Gavin Parr

Redcar kicked off their Cab Direct Championship league campaign with a battling 48-42 win over the Oxford Cheetahs. Erik Riss struck paid 12 for the “Agilia” Bears whilst Sam Masters hit 13 for Oxford.

Redcar had to battle from behind to take the win with the Cheetahs proving an as expected tough test. Redcar secured the spoils in heat 14 as Jody Scott and Danny King negated Oxford’s tactical substitute Sam Masters with some superb team riding to pack the minor placings and ensure a shared race which gave Redcar the all-important win.

The meeting started with Oxford’s Sam Masters and their guest, Sam Hagon both made the gate to hit the front. However, Charles Wright battled past Hagon entering the final lap to limit the damage as Oxford opened proceedings with a 4-2 heat advantage.

The Cheetahs doubled their early lead in heat two as their Australian reserve Mitch McDiarmid opened his ECCO Arena account with a heat win ahead of Redcar’s impressive debutant Jody Scott, and with Luke Killeen in 3rd, the visitors had the upper hand.

However, Redcar hit back in heat three as Danny King took a tapes to flag win, and with Jason Edwards getting the better of Oxford’s guest Danyon Hume on lap two, the Bears had their first heat advantage to cut the deficit to two points on Teesside.

Nevertheless, Oxford re-established their four point lead with their 3rd 4-2 of the meeting in heat four as the impressive Luke Killeen held off Erik Riss for a superb win, and with Jordan Jenkins in 3rd for Oxford, the Cheetahs were in the driving seat.

Heat five saw the ever improving Edwards pass one of the stars of the Cab Direct Championship, Sam Masters on the first lap for the lead, with the Redcar asset riding an extremely intelligent race for the win, and with King 3rd, Redcar were back within two of the Cheetahs.

After a pair of shared races won by Wright and Riss respectively, Redcar hit the front for the first time in heat eight as Jake Mulford (after a change of bike) took a superb win, and with Scott riding beyond his years to get the better of Hagon, the Bears had the momentum.

Redcar’s momentum continued in heat nine as the hosts picked up another maximum as King took his second chequered flag, and with Edwards joining the Redcar star at the front, the hosts had a six point lead at the ECCO Arena.

However, Oxford again fought back with their fourth heat advantage (all 4-2’s) as Francis Gusts headed home Wright for an impressive win, and with Hume passing Mulford for 3rd, Oxford were back within striking distance of the “Agilia” Bears.

After Masters and Edwards won a pair of shared races, heat 13 saw Riss pass Masters on the outside on lap one for an important win, and with Wright in an important 3rd, Redcar had a six point advantage with two races remaining, but the Cheetahs were in tactical territory.

Predictably, Oxford boss Peter Schroeck played his tactical card by bringing in Masters to partner Gusts in an attempt to haul the Cheetahs right back into contention. However, despite Gusts winning the race, King and Scott team rode to perfection to repel Masters and secure the two league points for Redcar, much to the delight of the home crowd.

The final heat saw Masters bounce back with a win, but with Gusts running a last, Redcar had a six point win which they will defend in early August at Oxford for the aggregate point.

Redcar boss Gavin Parr was delighted with the performance of Redcar’s new reserve Jody Scott. Parr said, ” Jody rode brilliantly, he didn’t get fazed in heat 14 that Sam Masters was behind him and he rode that race perfectly alongside Danny (King).”

Redcar Bears = 48

1. Charles Wright = 8
2. Jake Mulford = 3
3. Jason Edwards = 9+1
4. Danny King = 10+1
5. Erik Riss = 11+1
6. Jody Scott = 7+2
7. Ace Pijper = 0

Oxford Cheetahs = 42

1. Sam Masters = 13
2. Sam Hagon (G) = 2
3. Danyon Hume (G) = 4+1
4. Francis Gusts = 9+1
5. Jordan Jenkins = 3
6. Mitch McDiarmid = 7+1
7. Luke Killeen = 4

REDCAR star Danny King has urged his side to “lay down a marker” as the “Agilia” Bears begin their Cab Direct Championship campaign against the Oxford Cheetahs tomorrow. Redcar, who are undefeated in 2025 at the ECCO Arena, host Oxford with tapes up at 7:30pm. 

King, who is currently averaging an impressive 9.87 in 2025, is keen for Redcar to start their league season well against the Cheetahs. King commented, “ We need to lay down a marker tomorrow, show what we are capable of and get our first league points on the board.”

The British star knows the visitors will be another solid test for Redcar. King said, “ I’m not sure Oxford will be our toughest test so far as we have faced some good teams already this year. However, they are another solid side so we will need to produce another good performance to win.”

The experienced heat leader is not surprised by Redcar’s impressive start to the season, with King happy the side has performed as he hoped they would. King said, “ I’m not surprised by our start this season, it’s been nice to see the performances on track match our expectations and the team are doing what I expected us to do.”

The 2016 British Champion strongly believes that all of the Redcar septet riding in (at least) two leagues has helped with their performances. King said, “ All of our side are getting a lot of track time which has been an advantage for us. I think it has shown when we have faced sides who have not had as much time on the bike.”

The dependable British star has also admitted he is happy with his form this season, after an injury ravaged 2024 campaign. King said, “ It’s been a really good start to 2025 for me, it was a nervous winter after my operation but the bikes are working well, the form has been good so now it’s time to go and score some more points.”

Redcar hand a debut to their new signing Jody Scott at reserve with Charles Wright set to make his first Redcar appearance since his 2nd place in the British Final which secured the Bears captain two Grand Prix meetings in Manchester. 

Meanwhile, Oxford have been hit with injuries and other racing commitments ahead of the meeting. Jordan Jenkins suffered a crash against Scunthorpe last night but the ex-Bear is expected to be fit for the meeting. 

Cameron Heeps suffered a crash against the Scorpions with another ex-Bear, Danyon Hume guesting in his place. The final Oxford change see’s Berwick’s Sam Hagon come in to deputise for another former Bear, Jonas Knudsen, who is racing in the Danish National Championships. 

Supporters who are unable to attend the meeting are reminded that the meeting will be covered by the British Speedway Network at www.watch.britishspeedway.co.uk 

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) -8.65

2 – Jake Mulford 4.33

3 – Jason Edwards 6.27

4 – Danny King 8.25

5 – Erik Riss 6.77

6 – Jody Scott 2.00

7 – Ace Pijper 3.01

™: Gavin Parr

Oxford Cheetahs

1. Sam Masters (C) 9.52

2. Sam Hagon 4.70 (G)

3. Danyon Hume 6.61 (G)

4. Francis Gusts 4.50

5. Jordan Jenkins 6.54

6. Mitch McDiarmid 4.00 

7. Luke Killeen 4.05

™: Peter Schroeck

MIDDLESBROUGH “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS” produced a superb team display to take a 55-34 win over the Scunthorpe/Sheffield Steelers at the ECCO Arena. The Tigers also took home the aggregate point with a 99-80 two legged success. 

Tom Spencer struck paid 13 whilst Kai Ward hit a stunning paid 12 from reserve. The Steelers were led by their skipper Luke Harrison who hit 10. Encouragingly, every Tiger was paid for a win in a dominant home victory in the WSRA National League. 

Middlesbrough started in stunning fashion with a maximum as the Tigers guest Cooper Rushen won, and with Spencer 2nd, the hosts had the perfect start. 

Heat two saw Steelers reserve Harrison Rogers fall on the opening bend and all four riders were invited back for a re-run. The second staging saw Rogers’ teammate Jamie Etherington fall on the first bend with the youngster excluded from the 3rd staging. 

The 3rd re-run saw Ben Rathbone win, and with Ward 2nd, Middlesbrough had already opened up an eight point advantage. Heat three saw the Steelers open their race winners account as Luke Harris won, but with their guest, Ashton Vale 4th, they could not reduce the deficit. 

Heat four saw Middlesbrough provide yet another heat advantage as Ace Pijper passed Harrison to win, and with Ward 3rd, Middlesbrough were looking good at 17-7. Heat five saw yet more pain for the visitors as Danny Phillips took a commanding win, and with Stene Pijper 2nd, Middlesbrough were in cruise control.

Tom Spencer registered his second win with a heat six success, and with Rushen 3rd (after holding 2nd until Harrison made the pass), the Tigers were a remarkable 16 points ahead. 

Heat seven saw some respite for the visitors as they packed the minor placings behind Ace Pijper to ensure they would not fall even further behind.

However, any respite was short lived as heat eight produced another 5-1 but that only tells half the story. The original staging saw Rushen break the tapes with the talented youngster forced off 15m in the re-run. The re-run saw Rushen produce fireworks as he passed both Steelers for a paid win to hand Middlesbrough a 34-14 lead at the ECCO Arena. 

Heat nine saw Scunthorpe/Sheffield secure their maiden heat advantage as Harrison won, and with Etherington passing Phillips for 3rd, the visitors had something to cheer. However, normal order was restored in heat 10 as Rushen won, and with Spencer 2nd, Middlesbrough had racked up 41 points in just 10 heats. 

After Ace Pijper won a shared heat 11, the Tigers hit their 8th heat advantage in heat 12 as Phillips took the chequered flag, and with Ward passing both visitors in successive laps, the Tigers had officially secured their first win of 2025. 

After Harrison won a shared heat 13, the visitors secured a rare 5-0 advantage in heat 14, but not after plenty of incident. The first staging saw Stene Pijper and Vale collide with Pijper excluded. The re-run saw Rathbone ride well to lead heading into lap four, but much to the dismay of the home fans, Rathbone suffered an engine failure, gifting the Steelers a 5-0 win. 

The final heat saw Vale round Spencer for the win, but with Ryan Ingram 4th, the visitors could not end the afternoon on a heat advantage. 

Middlesbrough Tigers : 55

1. Tom Spencer = 11+2

2. Cooper Rushen (G) = 9+1

3. Danny Phillips = 8

4. Stene Pijper = 5+2

5. Ace Pijper = 10+1

6. Ben Rathbone = 3

7. Kai Ward = 9+3

Scunthorpe/Sheffield Steelers : 34

1. Nathan Ablitt – R/R = 3

2. Ryan Ingram (G) = 3+1

3. Luke Harris = 6

4. Ashton Vale (G) = 9+1

5. Luke Harrison = 10

6. Jamie Etherington = 3

7. Harrison Rogers = 3+1

Middlesbrough number five Ace Pijper the entirety of the Redcar Bears and Middlesbrough Tigers ahead of the “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS” 2025 home bow. The Tigers host the Scunthorpe/Sheffield Steelers with tapes up at 3pm at the ECCO Arena. 

Pijper, who is in his debut year on Teesside, has hailed the atmosphere around the club. Pijper said, “ This is definitely one of the best clubs I’ve rode for. Everyone’s got your back, no matter what happens. I’m settling in nicely and hopefully there’s a few more years to go.”

Middlesbrough begin tomorrow’s clash two points down on aggregate and Pijper is keen for the Tigers to register their first win this season. Pijper said, “ We need to get on the board this season and score some decent points on the board. We want to make everyone scared to come and face us at the ECCO Arena.”

The Redcar reserve is also keen for more track time at the ECCO Arena. Pijper said, “ That was one of the reasons I did both leagues at the same track as doing more laps around the circuit will make me a better rider for the Championship meetings.”

Pijper, who will compete in Sunday’s U21 final at Glasgow is happy to have his younger brother Stene back on track after the youngster crashed at Plymouth late last month. “ It’s good to have Stene back with us and hopefully he will show us all the fastest way around the track.”

Despite the side suffering three defeats this season, the Teesside based outfit have registered more than 40 points in every meeting and Pijper believes this gives his side the confidence they will need to beat the Steelers. 

Pijper said, “ We have rode well without the rewards of winning so far this season so we can go out there with nothing to lose and hopefully have a good meeting and come out with a win.”

The Tigers once again call on the fast rising Cooper Rushen for the injured Jamie Halder whilst the Steelers bring in Ashton Vale and Ryan Ingram for guest bookings. 

Supporters are reminded that season tickets are valid for the WSRA National League matches. Additionally, non-season ticket holders can attend Saturday’s clash for just £10 with the only way to see the match is by being trackside as no live stream will take place for the fixture. 

Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS” 

1. Tom Spencer 

2. Cooper Rushen (G)

3. Danny Phillips ©

4. Stene Pijper

5. Ace Pijper

6. Ben Rathbone

7. Kai Ward

Scunthorpe/Sheffield Steelers

1 Nathan ablitt

2 Ryan Ingram (G)

3 Luke Harris

4 Ashton Vale (G)

5 Luke Harrison (C)

6 Jamie Etherington

7 Harrison Rodgers

Fans afternoon against the Scunthorpe/Sheffield Steelers! Enjoy an afternoon of VIP luxury!

Tapes Up 3pm Saturday

The cost is £14 (on top of your usual stadium entrance). You will get balcony seating, a programme, a full buffet with a hot drink plus a drink from the bar. Kids are £7 but excluded the drink from the bar and their own programme.

This is done on a first come first serve basis.

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