Category: Bears News

Redcar recorded back to back home wins in the Cab Direct Championship for the first time this season with a hard fought 49-41 win over the Edinburgh Monarchs. Charles Wright once again top scored for Redcar with 12+1 whilst Edinburgh’s exciting Italian Paco Castagna hit 11 for the visitors. 

The original staging of heat 1 started with Josh Pickering gliding around the outside to take the lead, but with his partner, Lasse Fredriksen hitting the deck, we had a re-run with all 4 riders. The re-run saw a different story emerge as both Bears gated but Josh Pickering limited the damage for the Monarchs as he passed Connor Bailey for 2nd, however with the Australian unable to pass Charles Wright, Redcar began in solid fashion with a 4-2 heat advantage. 

Heat 2 saw Jake Mulford cruise to a convincing win, and with Ben Trigger picking up an important 3rd ahead of Connor Coles, Redcar had an 8-4 lead at the ECCO Arena. 

After a pair of shared heats won by Edinburgh’s fast starting pair, Paco Castagna and Justin Sedgmen, the Monarchs hit back to level the meeting as Fredriksen recovered from his heat 1 last place to take the win, and with Pickering cruising past Edwards and Gilkes in successive laps, Edinburgh drew level. 

Sedgmen once again flew from the tapes to win heat 6 ahead of Bailey and Wright, but with Edinburgh’s guest, Dayle Wood at the back, no away heat advantage was forthcoming. Danny King marked his return to the saddle with an impressive heat win in heat 7, but with Trigger at the back, both sides were still searching for an all important heat advantage to take the lead.

The aforementioned advantage came for Redcar in heat 8 as Bailey passed both Fredriksen and Coles on the opening lap to win, and with Mulford passing Coles (who finished last) for 2nd, the Bears fans had their first maximum to cheer, and a 4 point buffer to boot over the Monarchs. 

Edinburgh recorded their 5th heat winner of the evening as Sedgmen continued to start fast and take another chequered flag, but with Dan Gilkes and Jason Edwards passing Dayle Wood, Redcar’s 4 point advantage remained intact. 

After Castagna won a shared heat 10 ahead of Wright, Edinburgh reduced the deficit to just 2 points as Pickering won, but the Bears had King to thank for pushing his way past Fredriksen to ensure Redcar remained in a narrow lead on home shale. 

Heat 12 saw Gilkes win to take his tally to 8 points on another solid evening for the Brit, but with Wood getting the better of Mulford, Redcar could not extend their slender advantage. 

Heat 13 saw one contender for heat of the night as Wright and King gated, but with Pickering just behind, a 5-1 was far from certain! Wright duly won the race, but King (who had rode a clever line on lap 3) was rounded by Pickering on the run to the line. However, the 4-2 re-established the Bears 4 point lead heading into the last 2 heats on a nervy night at the ECCO Arena. 

The penultimate race saw Castagna take his tally to 11 points with a win after holding off early pressure from Jason Edwards, but with Mulford gaining revenge on Wood for 3rd, Edinburgh were still 4 behind heading into the final race. Heat 15 saw another contender for heat of the night as Wright and King yet again gated, but this time Pickering could not pass either Bear as the home side struck an important 5-1 to secure a 49-41 win. 

Redcar = 49

1. Charles Wright = 12+1

2. Connor Bailey = 7+1

3. Dan Gilkes = 8

4. Jason Edwards = 4+2

5. Danny King = 10+1

6. Ben Trigger = 1

7. Jake Mulford = 7+3

Edinburgh = 41

1. Josh Pickering = 9+1

2. Lasse Fredriksen = 5

3. Kye Thomson = 3+1

4. Paco Castagna = 12

5. Justin Sedgmen = 9

6. Dayle Wood (G) = 3+1

7. Connor Coles = 0

Redcar team boss Gavin Parr believes his improving “Agilia ” Bears side are “turning the corner” ahead of his side’s meeting with the Edinburgh Monarchs this Friday with tapes up at 7:30 at the ECCO Arena. Parr has also revealed that Danny King is “99%” certain to return to the side, news that is certain to put a smile on Redcar fans faces!

Parr, who was happy after Redcar’s largely successful southern tour, believes the Bears may just be on the way up, “ Hopefully we are getting towards turning that corner, we had a superb home win against Glasgow, a good win at Plymouth and then ran Poole really close.” 

The former Redcar cubs team manager has also highlighted the importance of the Redcar reserves, Ben Trigger and Jake Mulford against the Monarchs, “ I think Ben and Jake can really target some big points on Friday. I’m hoping they both can dominate the Edinburgh reserves, especially after they scored double figures for the Middlesbrough Tigers last Friday.”

Parr knows that Edinburgh will be no pushovers but the Bears boss is keen to keep “the feel good factor” going, “After our recent run of good results I am hoping to keep the feel good factor going but I am not taking Edinburgh for granted, they have a good side with riders who ride the ECCO Arena well but the lads are all up for the challenge.”

Parr also reserved glowing praise for the form of the Redcar skipper Charles Wright who has been worth his weight in gold for the Bears over his long stint at the club, “ Charles is an out and out number 1 who gives 100% in every race, he has dragged us out of holes many many times over the years, sometimes all by himself. However, in the last couple of weeks others have come to the party including Jason (Edwards) which is great for me as a team manager!”

Redcar look set to welcome back Danny King into the fold after the former British Champions injury lay-off. With King back in the side, Redcar are set to track a full 1-7 for the first time since the 26th April! 

Friday’s opponents, Edinburgh are forced into a change at reserve as Max James is out with injury. James is replaced by Edinburgh’s WSRA National League rider, Dayle Wood who guested at the ECCO Arena for Belle Vue Colts last week and hit an impressive paid 14. The Monarchs will be looking for big scores from their exciting Aussie Josh Pickering and his compatriot, the former Bear Justin Sedgmen. 

Any fans who are unable to attend the Cab Direct Championship clash are reminded that the meeting is being streamed by the British Speedway Network at www.watch.britishspeedway.co.uk

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 – Charles Wright (C) 8.60

2 – Connor Bailey 5.36

3 – Dan Gilkes 5.56

4 – Jason Edwards 5.60

5 – Danny King 7.87

6 – Ben Trigger 2.49

7 – Jake Mulford 3.59

™: Gavin Parr

Edinburgh Monarchs

1. Josh Pickering 8.98

2. Lasse Fredriksen 4.85

3. Kye Thomson 6.38

4. Paco Castagna (C) 5.64

5. Justin Sedgmen 7.35

6. Dayle Wood (G) 2.48

7. Connor Coles 3.06

™: John Campbell

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The Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers took victory on their WSRA National Development League home debut with a battling 48-41 victory over the Belle Vue Colts. Ben Trigger top scored for the Tigers with 13+1 whilst the Colts guest, Dayle Wood hit 14 for the visitors.

The meeting started in bizarre, but superb fashion for the Tigers with a rarely seen 5-0 heat advantage! Jake Mulford led from the tapes with the Colts Sam McGurk falling on the first bend but clearing the track. With only 3 riders remaining, Middlesbrough looked set for a great start with a 5-1 until Chad Wirtzfield suffered mechanical problems with the Belle Vue man excluded for being lapped which resulted in a 5-0 heat win for the Tigers. 

Heat 2 saw more drama with several fallers! Sam McGurk led comfortably from the tapes and was untroubled with all the action happening behind the former Workington man. With both Tigers falling (and remounting) in the early stages, the visitors looked set to hit back until Jack Shimelt fell, causing the race to be stopped, resulting in a shared heat at the ECCO Arena. 

Dayle Wood started his evening with a win despite strong early pressure from Danny Phillips with the Middlesbrough skipper unfortunately shedding a chain which forced his retirement from the race. However, with Jamie Halder splitting the Colts duo to avoid a 5-1, Belle Vue could only secure a 4-2 to reduce the gap to 3 points on Teesside. 

Heat 4 saw Ben Trigger take his first chequered flag of the evening with a comfortable heat win, and with Kai Ward (in 3rd) benefitting from Harry McGurk’s machinery problems, the Tigers extended their lead to 5 points in the early stages. However, the Tigers lead was reduced to a single point in heat 5 as Wirtzfield bolted from the gate for the win, and with Matt Marson in 2nd after battling past Jamie Halder and subsequently benefitting from a Danny Phillips fall, the visitors were right back in the meeting. 

Mulford then took his 2nd successive win with an untroubled heat 6 success, and with Ben Rathbone in 3rd, Middlesbrough took their 3rd heat advantage to take their lead to three points. 

After a pair of shared heats won by Trigger and Harry McGurk respectively, Middlesbrough re-established their 5 point advantage as the Tigers skipper, Danny Phillips recovered from his earlier fall to pass Sam McGurk for the heat win, and with Halder in 3rd for Middlesbrough, they had breathing space over the Colts. 

Nevertheless, the Colts kept fighting with the impressive Dayle Wood defeating Mulford (who had to work hard to pass Marson, who finished in 3rd) in heat 10, Belle Vue were once again within 3 of their hosts. Wirtzfield then lowered Ben Trigger’s colours for the first time as he gated superbly and held off the hard charging Tigers number 5 for the win, and with Wood in 3rd for Belle Vue, Middlesbrough had the most slender of leads at 33-32. 

Heat 12 saw Phillips once again battle his way to a win as he passed Marson for the win, but with Kai Ward at the back for the Tigers, Middlesbrough’s lead remained at a single point. However, heat 13 saw the Tigers heatleaders do the business as Mulford and Trigger left the Colts standing to secure a 5-1 to send the Tigers 5 ahead and on the brink of victory. The win was secured in heat 14 as Middlesbrough packed the minor placings ahead of the heat winner Wood to secure the first win of the new era for the “Heat Floors” Tigers. 

The final race of an entertaining evening in front of a healthy crowd saw Trigger take another superb win, and with Mulford in 3rd, Middlesbrough secured a 48-41 win at the ECCO Arena. 

Middlesbrough Tigers = 48

1. Jake Mulford = 12

2. Ben Rathbone = 4+1

3. Danny Phillips = 6

4. Jaime Halder = 6

5. Ben Trigger = 13+1

6. William Hocaniuk = 1+1

7. Kai Ward = 6+1

Belle Vue Colts = 41

1. Sam Hagon R/R 

2. Chad Wirtzfeld = 6

3. Matt Marson = 7+2

4. Dayle Wood (G) = 14

5. Sam McGurk (G) = 7

6. Jack Shimelt = 0

7. Harry McGurk = 7+1

Ahead of the Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers home bow tomorrow night, local lad Ben Rathbone has insisted that there is “nothing to fear” for the Tigers as the side take on the Belle Vue Colts at the ECCO Arena this Friday with tapes up at 7:30. 

Rathbone, who has realised his dream of being a full-time member of his hometown club, is confident ahead of the side’s WSRA National League clash, ” I don’t think the Colts have got anyone to be feared. The way the WRSA National League is built this year, I think anyone can beat anyone so I’m hoping the boys can go out and do just that!”

The Tigers middle order man has admitted to some nerves ahead of his home debut, ” I am a little nervous, but not too much! All in all I am really looking forward to the meeting.”

The Tigers have had a tough start to the season, with three away defeats but Rathbone is not unduly worried, ” I think we will work things out, and hopefully that will start tomorrow night! We have had the three tough away meetings and I think the younger lads especially can get dialled in around the ECCO Arena and get some wins on the board!”

The 27 year old is confident he will hit some big scores around his home track, ” I will be looking to score some big points and I am sure the likes of Jamie Halder will as well, I’m confident!”

Rathbone has also stressed the importance of himself and Danny Phillips, the Tigers homegrown stars enjoying the meeting, ” We have to go out there and enjoy the meeting. Me and Dan have been going to Redcar for a long time now so for us it will be key to race the match and not the occasion, and if we can do that, we can be a match for anyone at Redcar!”

Middlesbrough number 1, Jake Mulford makes a return to the side after he missed the meeting at Oxford with the rest of the side unchanged. However, it is all change for the Colts as their number 1, Sam Hagon is on World u21 qualifier duty with rider replacement covering the new British u21 champion’s outings. Additionally, Belle Vue also bring in Dayle Wood and Sam McGurk as guests.

Supporters are reminded that entry to Friday’s match costs just £10 with kids under 16 free! Season ticket holders are also reminded that their season ticket covers all WSRA National League fixtures meaning there is no extra charge to attend this meeting. 

Fans who cannot attend the historic clash are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by our streaming partners, Tapes Up Productions at www.redcar-speedway.tv

Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers

1 Jake Mulford 8.21

2 Ben Rathbone 4.07

3 Daniel Phillips 6.91 (C)

4 Jamie Halder 4.58

5 Ben Trigger 6.34

6 William Hocaniuk 3.00

7 Kai Ward 3.00 

™: Stuart Swales

Belle Vue Colts

1.  Rider Replacement for Sam Hagon

2.  Chad Wirtzfeld 3.81

3.  Matt Marson 5.86 (C)

4.  Dayle Wood 4.50 (G) 

5.  Sam McGurk  6.08 (G) 

6.  Jack Shimelt  3.00

7.  Harry McGurk 3.00

TM Steve Williams

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears performed superbly to hit their highest points total at Wimborne road and take the Poole Pirates all the way to a last heat decider. Poole eventually took a hard fought 47-43 win with Tom Brennan hitting 13 for the hosts whilst Jason Edwards continued his upward momentum with a 12 point return. 

Poole’s Richard Lawson took an opening heat win but with Charles Wright and Connor Bailey packing into the minor places, the Bears did not concede a heat advantage in the first race. Heat 2 saw the Bears strike the first blow as Jake Mulford took the win, and with the ever improving Ben Trigger holding off Sam Hagon for 2nd, the Bears took the lead in Dorset. 

Jason Edwards secured his first win of another superb evening as he passed Zach Cook on the opening lap for the win. Cook then dropped to 3rd but suffered mechanical issues on the last lap, gifting Dan Gilkes 3rd which gave Redcar an early 6 point advantage on the south coast. 

After a shared heat 4 won by Ben Cook, Charles Wright showed why he is adored by the Bears faithful as he passed both Tom Brennan and Zach Cook to win the race and preserve Redcar’s 6 point advantage on away soil. Poole then struck their first heat advantage of the meeting as the ex-Bear Richard Lawson took the win ahead of Justin Sedgmen, and with Tobias Thomsen in 3rd ahead of Ben Trigger, the Pirates reduced the gap to 4. 

After Edwards took his second win from 2 outings in a shared heat 7, Redcar re-established their six point buffer as Connor Bailey yet again took a heat 8 success, and with Mulford in 3rd ahead of Vinnie Foord, Redcar were in the driving seat at Wimborne Road. 

Nevertheless, the Pirates are not at the top of the Cab Direct Championship for nothing, and their top scorer on the night, Tom Brennan took the win, and with Zach Cook in second ahead of Sedgmen, Poole were back within 2 of Redcar. Next up was heat 10, and Redcar, from a position of strength, found themselves behind as Lawson and Thomsen combined for a 5-1 to take a 2 point advantage heading into the final third of an entertaining encounter. 

Heat 11 saw the Pirates barrage continue as Ben Cook took the win whilst the new British under 21 champion, Sam Hagon held off Charles Wright for 2nd to send the Pirates 6 ahead heading into the interval. Despite Gavin Parr bringing in Wright as a tactical substitute, Brennan took the win, but Redcar did halt the Poole barrage as they packed the minor placings in a shared heat. 

Heat 13 saw huge drama as Lawson led from the gate with the race looking all set for a 3-3. However, to the surprise of the entire stadium, Lawson shed a chain on bend 1 of the final lap which let both Wright and Sedgmen through for an unexpected maximum to close the gap to 2 points. 

After Edwards won a shared heat 14 from the gate, we had a last heat decider on the final leg of our southern tour. The final race saw the electrifying Edwards gate, but with Wright not looking likely to pass Lawson, a shared race was on the cards. However, Brennan dived up the inside of Edwards entering the last lap to give Poole a 47-43 success in a hard fought Cab Direct Championship clash. 

Poole Pirates = 47

1. Richard Lawson = 10

2. Tobias Thomsen = 5+1

3. Tom Brennan = 13

4. Zach Cook = 4+3

5. Ben Cook = 8+1

6. Sam Hagon = 7+1

7. Vinnie Foord = 0

Redcar Bears = 43

1. Charles Wright = 11

2. Connor Bailey = 4+1

3. Dan Gilkes = 2+1

4. Jason Edwards = 12

5. Justin Sedgmen (G) = 7+1

6. Ben Trigger = 2+17. Jake Mulford = 5+1

Redcar team manager, Gavin Parr has set his sights on a win tonight at Poole, but the Bears boss knows it will be a tough ask with the Pirates currently undefeated on home shale in 2024. Redcar complete their southern tour with a trip to Wimborne Road with tapes up at 7:30 in Dorset.

The excitable Geordie knows the task the Bears have in front of them, with the Pirates having a fantastic home record, “ We are going there to win. However, if we can score 40+ points we will be in a good position for the aggregate bonus point so that will be one of our primary aims.”

The passionate team boss was full of praise for his side, with Parr believing last night’s 47-43 win against Plymouth bodes well ahead of the trip to Wimborne Road. Parr said, “It was tricky in the early stages for us against Plymouth but the boys dug in and we fully deserved the win, and I’m hoping we can carry that form into tonight’s match.”

The exuberant boss is extremely pleased with the form of Charles Wright, who will once again be a vital asset against the Pirates, “ Charles was cooking last night against Plymouth! He’s in really good form at the moment so I’m obviously hoping that continues tonight!”

Parr believes his comments about the side “not being far away” have been vindicated, “ We kept saying that we didn’t feel we were too far away from becoming a good side and with Dan (Gilkes) coming into the 1-7 that has given us the lift we needed. However, we are not getting carried away but we are happy with our recent improvement.”

Parr has also echoed the thoughts of his heatleader, Danny King who insists that “a happy team is a winning team”, “Danny is right in what he says, when the riders are nice and relaxed and happy, the results usually follow. We know tonight will be a tough task but you just never know!”

Poole hand a debut to their new reserve, Vinnie Foord who has come in to replace Max Perry. The Pirates are led by their number 1, the ex-Bear, Richard Lawson whilst they welcome ‘home’ Sam Hagon who took the British under 21 title at Glasgow on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, the Bears have drafted in Edinburgh’s Justin Sedgmen to guest in place of the aforementioned Danny King. The Redcar promotion will be looking to their skipper, Charles Wright to once again put in a big score, with the testimonial man in superb form for the “Agilia” Bears. 

Supporters who cannot make the journey to Dorset are reminded that the meeting is being live streamed by BSN @ watch.britishspeedway.co.uk 

Poole Pirates

1. Richard Lawson 9.03
2. Tobias Thomsen 4.96
3. Tom Brennan 7.91
4. Zach Cook 6.38
5. Ben Cook © 7.51
6. Sam Hagon 4.33
7. Vinnie Foord 2.00

™: Neil Middleditch

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Charles Wright © 8.12
2. Connor Bailey 5.53
3. Dan Gilkes 5.56
4. Jason Edwards 5.32
5. Justin Sedgmen (G) 7.87
6. Ben Trigger 2.25
7. Jake Mulford 3.20

™: Gavin Parr

Redcar picked up their second league win of the season with a superb 43-47 away win over a dogged Plymouth side at the Plymouth Coliseum. Redcar were led superbly by Charles Wright who hit a scintillating 17 with the skipper ably supported by Jason Edwards (11) and Ben Trigger (7) who hit his best ever score in Bears colours. The Gladiators battled and were led impressively by Alfie Bowtell (13+2) and their guest Troy Batchelor who hit 12+1.  

Redcar registered their first heat winner at the first attempt as the Bears inspirational skipper, Charles Wright took the win, but with Connor Bailey at the back, the “Agilia” Bears could not take the lead in the early stages. The hosts then hit the front in the reserves race as Joe Thompson took the chequered flag, and with Jacob Hook hanging on for 3rd ahead of Jake Mulford, the Bears were trailing at the Coliseum. 

In damp Devonshire conditions, the Gladiators doubled their lead to 4 as the former Birmingham star, Alfie Bowtell took the win, but Jason Edwards denied the Gladiators a maximum as he held off the hard charging Kyle Newman for 2nd. However, problems struck for Plymouth on the opening lap of heat 4 as Ben Barker clipped the fence and was excluded. The re-run saw the Bears hit back in heat 4 as the former Plymouth reserve, Ben Trigger took an impressive win, and with Mulford in an unopposed 3rd, Redcar reduced the arrears to 2 points. 

Redcar then turned the tables on their hosts to take a two point lead as Wright took his second heat win, and with Bailey in an impressive second, the Redcar travelling contingent had their first maximum heat advantage to celebrate. However, the Gladiators immediately hit back with a 5-1 of their own as the impressive Alfie Bowtell and the Gladiator’s guest, Troy Batchelor hit a maximum to send Plymouth into a narrow advantage. 

The topsy turvy nature of the meeting continued in heat 7 as the ever improving Jason Edwards took the win, and with Dan Gilkes in 2nd, the “Agilia” Bears once again led. Heat 8 saw Bailey, (clearly revelling in the number 2 slot) win from the gate, and with Trigger picking up another vital point, the Bears extended their advantage to 4 points over their Cab Direct Championship rivals. 

Ahead of heat 9, the Gladiators suffered a blow with Ben Barker having to withdraw from the remainder of the meeting on medical grounds. The ninth race of a tense evening’s speedway saw further problems for Plymouth as Redcar took their lead to 6 points as Wright won in his rider replacement outing, and with Mulford in a vital 3rd place, Redcar had daylight. 

However, the daylight was short lived as Plymouth reduced the gap to 4 points as Batchelor won heat 10 ahead of Edwards, and with Bowtell in 3rd, the hosts sensed an opportunity. After a shared heat 11 won by the fantastic skipper, Wright, Redcar re-established their 6 point buffer with another 4-2 as Gilkes took a win on his former home track, and with Trigger once again picking up 3rd, Redcar edged towards victory.

Heat 13 saw Batchelor lower Wright’s colours for the first time, and with ex-Bear Newman keeping the Bears new signing Dan Gilkes at the back, Plymouth were within 4 of the Bears once again. With the pressure on, Jason Edwards rose to the occasion to take the win in a shared heat 14 to set up a last heat decider. 

The final race saw Redcar’s inspirational skipper, Wright pass Batchelor in the early stages to take the win in a shared race to send the Redcar fans wild as the Bears picked up their second win on the bounce. 

Plymouth Gladiators = 43

1. Troy Batchelor (G) = 12+1

2. Alfie Bowtell = 13+2

3. Dan Thompson – R/R

4. Kyle Newman = 8+1

5. Ben Barker = 0 Withdrawn

6. Joe Thompson = 6+1

7. Jacob Hook = 4

Redcar Bears = 47

1. Charles Wright = 17

2. Connor Bailey = 5+1

3. Dan Gilkes = 5+1

4. Jason Edwards = 11

5. Danny King – R/R 

6. Ben Trigger = 7

7. Jake Mulford = 2

This Friday, as the Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers take to the shale against the Belle Vue Colts, we are hosting a fans night in the Bruce Forrester Lounge!

To have a night in the suite with covered balcony seating, a full buffet + a hot drink, a programme & a drink from the bar.

All that comes for the cost of just £10 (payable in the lounge) on top of your stadium entry which is at a bargain £10 price! Kids £5 (which excludes the drink from the bar + their own programme)

The meeting starts @ 7.30pm. Season tickets are valid for Tigers meetings. If you don’t have a season ticket entry is just £10 for all adults and kids are FREE.

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07827293866

📷 Charlotte Flanigan

Redcar reserve Ben Trigger has challenged his Bears teammates to keep “building the momentum” ahead of Redcar’s trip to Plymouth tonight with tapes up at 7pm at the Plymouth Coliseum. 

Trigger, who will return to his hometown club this evening, is positive about the side’s upturn in form, after the club’s 50-40 home win over Glasgow 48 hours ago, “ The side performed really well and Dan Gilkes was a big part of that with paid 9. If the boys can keep that going, we can start aiming to be more dominant than we were on Saturday.”

The cheerful Bears reserve admits it has been a meeting he has been thoroughly looking forward to, “ It’s a match I have been looking forward to. They have a new track shape there and it should be a good meeting. I’m hoping we can all get a good set-up pretty quickly and build up a big lead to bring back to the ECCO Arena for the aggregate bonus point.”

Despite Trigger’s 2 point return against the Tigers, the Devonshire born youngster knows he is still in the early stages of his burgeoning career, “ I had one of them nights, I struggled to find a good set-up. However, I’m not concerned as I’m still learning and when you are learning, you make mistakes but I am hoping to rectify that this week.”

The Redcar Bear and Middlesbrough Tiger is happy with his track time recently, with the Tigers heatleader scheduled to race 3 times this week for the Bears and the Tigers, “ I am hoping to get myself into a groove and score some points. It will be nice to finally have a home meeting for Middlesbrough (against Belle Vue Colts on Friday), all the side know the track and I think we have a good chance!”

Trigger, one of many rising British talents, is keen to show the Gladiators what they are missing, with the Bears man a Gladiator in 2023, “ I’ve got high expectations of myself around Plymouth and I am excited to show them what they are missing!”

Redcar are still without the injured Danny King, and with the club exhausting all available options to guest, rider replacement will operate in the number 5 position with all 6 Bears available to take King’s outings. The former Plymouth pair, Dan Gilkes and Ben Trigger will be hoping to show their former employers the quickest way around the Coliseum as the Bears chase their second win of their Cab Direct Championship campaign. 

The hosts, Plymouth, bring in Troy Batchelor for Nico Covatti. However, the Gladiators have been dealt a blow with their free scoring number 3, Dan Thompson ruled out with illness. In the absence of the former Leicester man, rider replacement will operate. The Gladiators will be looking to two former Bears in, Ben Barker and Kyle Newman who have both had good starts to their respective 2024 campaigns. 

For any fans unable to make the long journey south, the meeting will be live streamed at www.gladiatorslive.com

Plymouth Gladiators

1. Troy Batchelor (G) 7.82
2. Alfie Bowtell 5.05
3. Rider replacement for Dan Thompson
4. Kyle Newman 5.74
5. Ben Barker 7.79 ©
6. Joe Thompson 4.24
7. Jacob Hook 4.00

™: Garry May

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Charles Wright © 8.12
2. Connor Bailey 5.53
3. Dan Gilkes 5.56
4. Jason Edwards 5.32
5. Rider replacement for Danny King
6. Ben Trigger 2.25
7. Jake Mulford 3.20

™: Gavin Parr