Category: Bears News

REDCAR missed out on a place in the MAXiCab KO Cup Final after going down 91-89 on aggregate in a tense last heat decider at Plymouth.

The Bears, who led by 4 points heading into the meeting, were 2 points ahead going into the heat 15 decider. However, Danny King passed Jason Edwards to join Scott Nicholls for a Gladiators 5-1. Scott Nicholls top scored with 14 for Plymouth whilst Jake Mulford continued his impressive run with 11 for the gallant Bears.

Heat one saw Ace Pijper take a superb win to shock the big home crowd, but with Nicolai Klindt 4th, Redcar could not extend their slim aggregate advantage.

The reserves race saw Tom Spencer hit the deck on the opening bends with the referee inviting all 4 back for the re-run. The second staging was a level race after the opening bends until Jody Scott passed Spencer, who again fell, and this time the former Bear was excluded.

The third and final staging of heat 2 saw Mulford lead with ease, and with Anze Grmek 2nd, a 4-2 was on the cards. However, Grmek went too wide on the final bend and came down, with Scott taking 2nd. Importantly, Grmek did pick his bike up and walk across the line to ensure the Gladiators did not leave heat 2 pointless.

After a shared heat 3 won by Ben Barker who passed Jason Edwards to win, Plymouth levelled matters on the night as Nicholls won, and with Grmek passing Scott on lap 3, Plymouth had their tails up. Heat 5 saw Barker make it 2 wins on the spin, and with Daniel Klima 2nd, the tie was all square on aggregate.

Redcar could not halt the free-flowing Gladiators run of heat advantages as King won heat 6, and with Joe Thompson 3rd, the hosts were ahead 64-62 on aggregate.

The early stages of heat 7 was looking even more ominous for Redcar as Nicholls gated, and with Spencer 2nd, the Gladiators were in pole position for 4 heat advantages in a row. However, both Edwards and Lambert made light work of Spencer to ensure the gap remained at 2 points.

Heat 8 saw the ever improving Scott win, and with Pijper 3rd, the Bears fought back to level the tie. The ninth race of a drama filled evening first saw Klima hit the deck on the opening bends, with all 4 invited back for the re-run.

The re-run saw a nasty crash Barker (who was just being passed by Mulford) lift violently on the backstraight of lap 1. Thankfully, the Plymouth man was okay but he was excluded from the re-run. Re-run number 3 saw Mulford win with ease, and with Allen equally as comfortable in 2nd, Redcar’s travelling support were dreaming of another cup final.

However, Plymouth are a different proposition in 2026, and they bounced straight back after two more re-runs. After Lambert was excluded, and Edwards was asked to sit still at the start (whilst leading), the Gladiators pair of King and Thompson gated for a 5-1 to level proceedings.

Heat 11 saw a remarkable race as Pijper and Klindt team rode superbly, and looked set for a maximum until Nicholls found incredible drive on the final bend to force his way into 2nd. After the transponders were checked, it was confirmed that Pijper had won his second race of the night, but Nicholls claimed 2nd, with Klindt being forced to settle for 3rd.

After Grmek won a shared heat 12, Plymouth struck a telling blow in heat 13 as the veteran duo of Nicholls and King gated for a comfortable 5-1 to send the hosts two ahead with only two races remaining.

Nevertheless, Redcar once again bit back in heat 14, after yet more re-runs. The opening bends saw Barker hit the deck, with the referee deeming all 4 should return for a re-run. The re-run saw Barker again crash, this time alongside Scott. However, Barker could not bounce back to his feet and Grmek took his place in the re-run.

The final staging saw Edwards win, and with Scott 2nd, Redcar had a two point lead heading into heat 15. The final race saw Plymouth plump for Nicholls and King off gates 1 and 3, with Edwards and Mulford off 2 and 4. Nicholls gated, and with King passing Edwards on lap two, the home support went wild as the Gladiators qualified for the MAXiCab KO Cup Final.

Plymouth Gladiators = 48 (91)

1. Danny King = 11+3
2. Joe Thompson = 7+2
3. Daniel Klima = 3+1
4. Ben Barker = 6
5. Scott Nicholls = 14
6. Anze Grmek = 7+1
7. Tom Spencer = 0

Redcar Bears= 42 (89)

1. Nicolai Klindt = 3
2. Ace Pijper = 7
3. Simon Lambert = 3+3
4. Jason Edwards = 8
5. Jake Allen = 2+1
6. Jake Mulford = 11
7. Jody Scott = 8+2

REDCAR returned to winning ways as they overcame a resilient Plymouth side 47-43 at the ECCO Arena in the MAXiCab KO Cup semi-final first leg. In a ding dong battle, the Bears struck the decisive blow in heat 14 as Jake Mulford and man of the match Jody Scott hit a big 5-1 to give Redcar a priceless lead ahead of the second leg at the Coliseum on Saturday.

The aforementioned Scott backed up his under 21 silver medal with another brilliant display as he hit 12+2 whilst Redcar number one Nicolai Klindt struck 13 against his former side. The Gladiators were led superbly by ex-Bear Danny King (12+1) and British legend Scott Nicholls (11+2) ahead of a mouthwatering second leg tonight.

Heat one saw Ace Pijper hit the deck on the first bend, with all 4 men invited back for the re-run. The re-run saw the visitors start strongly with a heat advantage as King won, and with Joe Thompson 3rd, the Bears had work to do.

However, heat two saw the Bears reserves start with a maximum heat advantage despite the ECCO Arena debutant Anze Grmek making the gate. However, Mulford showed great tenacity to pass the Slovenian, and with Scott riding the boards, he passed the Plymouth man to clinch 2nd and send the home fans wild.

The third race of another entertaining evening on Teesside saw Plymouth gate on a 5-1, but Simon Lambert limited the damage as he passed Daniel Klima for 2nd, but the Brit could do nothing about his fellow countryman Ben Barker who took the win to level the meeting.

After Nicholls won a shared heat four, the Gladiators re-took the lead in heat five with the first maximum heat advantage. King showed his old employers the fastest way around the ECCO Arena, and with Thompson 2nd, the travelling ‘Bar Bandits’ were dreaming of an away win.

Nicholls once again proved age is just a number as he took a tapes to flag win in heat six, but with ex-Bear Tom Spencer at the back, the four point gap remained. Jake Allen registered his first win of the evening in heat seven, and with Mulford 3rd (despite pressuring Barker for the paid win), the Bears halved the deficit.

Heat eight saw Redcar turn the tables on Plymouth as Scott won with ease, and with Pijper holding off Thompson, the 2025 BSN Series winners regained the lead. However, the Gladiators responded with a maximum of their own as Grmek won, and with Nicholls slotting in behind his partner, the momentum once again swung, this time in favour of Plymouth.

Klindt took his first chequered flag of the evening in heat 10, but with both Barker passing Pijper for 2nd, Redcar had to settle for a 4-2 to level proceedings.

After a shared heat won by the evergreen King, the Bears looked set to land a major blow to Plymouth’s hopes of semifinal success as Lambert gated, and with Scott 2nd, Redcar looked set for their 3rd 5-1. However, after Scott passed his partner, Lambert suffered a devastating puncture, turning a Bears four point lead back to a level meeting.

After the fast starting Klindt won a shared heat 13 to end both King’s and Nicholls’ maximum hopes, Redcar hit a huge blow in heat 14. Mulford led from the gate, and with Scott exiting the 2nd bend ahead of Barker, things were looking promising. However, Barker passed Scott and set his sights on Mulford. Nevertheless, Scott was not done and he crept up the inside to pass the ex-Bears skipper, and with the exciting young Brit holding on in the drag race to the line, Redcar had a four point lead, much to the delight of the home faithful.

The final race saw Klindt take a classy win, but with Scott 4th despite pressuring Nicholls, Redcar had to settle for a four point advantage ahead of tonight’s 2nd leg with a MAXiCab KO Cup final place on the line.

Redcar Bears = 47

1. Nicolai Klindt = 13
2. Ace Pijper = 4+2
3. Simon Lambert = 4
4. Jason Edwards = 0
5. Jake Allen = 6+1
6. Jake Mulford = 8+1
7. Jody Scott = 12+2

Plymouth Gladiators = 43

1. Danny King = 12+1
2. Joe Thompson = 4+1
3. Daniel Klima = 3
4. Ben Barker = 8
5. Scott Nicholls = 11+2
6. Anze Grmek = 5+1

Unfortunately, tonight’s meeting at Oxford has been postponed due to recent heavy rain, along with further adverse weather forecast.

New date to be confirmed.

The Bears make the trip to Cowley on Wednesday evening looking to get their Championship campaign back on track after an indifferent start to the league season.

Redcar will be aiming to end a run of three consecutive defeats, two of which have come at home, with the most recent being a disappointing reverse against Scunthorpe.

However, the Bears face a tough challenge against an Oxford side who have won three of their four home meetings so far this season. The Sandy Lane circuit has not always been a happy hunting ground for Redcar, with the Bears having recorded just one win in eight visits — a 49-41 Championship victory in 2025.

Jody Scott has plenty of experience around the Oxford circuit and the Bears will be hoping he can use that knowledge to Redcar’s advantage. Danny King, who won the Pairs Championship for Redcar at Oxford in 2024, again comes in to cover for Nicolai Klindt.

The Bears will be looking for a more determined performance as they aim to produce a confidence-restoring result on the road.

Oxford: Sam Masters, Edward Kennett, Anders Rowe, Luke Harrison (G), Mitch McDiarmid, Darryl Ritchings, Dayle Wood

Redcar: Danny King (G), Ace Pijper, Simon Lambert, Jason Edwards, Jake Allen, Jake Mulford, Jody Scott

SCUNTHORPE stunned Redcar with a 48-42 win at the ECCO Arena. The Scorpions, who were humiliated 58-32 back in March in BSN Series action, completely turned the tables on Redcar on Friday in Cab Direct Championship action. Former Bear Danny King, (guesting in place of the injured Nicolai Klindt) hit paid 9 for Redcar whilst Josh Pickering struck 14 for Scunthorpe.

The visitors started in fine fettle with an opening heat maximum as Pickering won, and with Connor Mountain 2nd ahead of Redcar debutant Simon Lambert, the Bears had work to do.

However, heat two saw the Bears reserves level the meeting as Ace Pijper won convincingly, and with Jody Scott passing ex-Bear Dan Gilkes on lap two, the hosts immediately hit back.

After Jason Edwards won a shared heat three, Redcar hit their second heat advantage of the match to take the lead as Jake Allen won, and with Scott 3rd, Redcar led after the opening block of races.

Heat five saw a superb battle as Edwards initially got the drop on heat one winner Pickering. However, the all-out Australian was buzzing around Edwards’ back wheel and cut back on the run to the line. However, Edwards held on, much to the delight of the home crowd, and with Jake Mulford 3rd, the Bears had opened up a four point lead in the north-east.

After Michael Palm-Toft won a shared heat six, the visitors bounced back with their second maximum to level the match as Nathan Ablitt won, and with Luke Harrison passing his ex-teammate Jake Allen for 2nd, David Howe’s men silenced the home faithful.

After Mountain got the better of an entertaining tussle with Lambert in a shared heat eight, the “Agilia” Bears regained the lead in heat nine as Mulford took a convincing win, and with Edwards 3rd, Redcar found themselves back in front.

King took his first chequered flag of the evening in heat 10, but with both Ablitt and Harrison passing Lambert, Redcar could not extend their two point advantage.

That advantage was ripped away from the Bears in a thrilling heat 11 as Pickering won after initially gating (but was passed by the hard charging Allen), only for the Scorpions skipper to repay the favour to the Bears captain to make it eight points out of nine on the evening, and with Mountain 3rd, we again had a level meeting at the ECCO Arena.

Nevertheless, the Bears kept battling and the meeting once again swung in their favour as Mulford continued his impressive evening at number three with another win, and with Scott 3rd, the Bears re-established their two point advantage. Pickering continued to be a thorn in Redcar’s side as he won heat 13, and with Palm-Toft 3rd, the Scorpions once again levelled proceedings.

Heat 14 saw Gilkes hit the deck on the opening bends, with the youngster unfortunately being taken from the track in an ambulance. With all four riders invited back for a re-run and Ryan Ingram replacing Gilkes, Redcar were looking to re-take the lead heading into heat 15.

After a long delay, the home crowd were stunned as Harrison and Ingram combined for a remarkable 5-1 to send Scunthorpe four ahead heading into the final race. Heat 15 saw Scunthorpe have choice of gates and they elected for gates two and four. Pickering won to seal a priceless away win, and with Palm-Toft 3rd, Scunthorpe secured a 48-42 away win.

Redcar must now regroup ahead of a trip to Oxford on Wednesday as they look to bounce back and get their first points of the league season on the board.

Redcar Bears = 42

1. Danny King (G) = 8+1
2. Simon Lambert = 5
3. Jake Mulford = 7
4. Jason Edwards = 8
5. Jake Allen = 6
6. Ace Pijper = 3
7. Jody Scott = 5+2

Scunthorpe Scorpions = 48

1. Josh Pickering = 14
2. Connor Mountain = 6+1
3. Nathan Ablitt = 8+1
4. Luke Harrison = 8+2
5. Michael Palm Toft = 9
6. Ryan Ingram = 2+1
7. Dan Gilkes = 1

Cab Direct Championship action hits the Ecco Arena tonight.

Redcar Agilia Bears vs Scunthorpe Scorpions.

Championship top scorer Josh Pickering is in town, and the Bears hand a debut to Simon Lambert at No.2. Unfortunately Nicolai Klindt aggravated a knee injury last night, old friend Danny King comes in as a guest.

Here is all your Race Day Information

Ecco Arena

Tapes Up – 7:30pm

Kids Go Free

Get your tickets here – shorturl.at/pcnjT

Can’t make it trackside watch live on BSN – https://bit.ly/bearsvscorp

Redcar: Danny King (guest), Simon Lambert, Jake Mulford, Jason Edwards, Jake Allen, Ace Pijper, Jody Scott
Scunthorpe: josh Pickering, Connor Mountain, Nathan Ablitt, Luke Harrison, Michael Palm Toft, Ryan Ingram, Dan Gilkes

The Redcar Bears have made a team change, with Jordan Jenkins being released after a difficult start to the season.

Jordan has sadly struggled to find his feet this year following an injury-hit 2025 campaign. After discussions between Jordan and the management, it was agreed that both parties would go their separate ways.

Everyone at Redcar Speedway would like to thank Jordan for his efforts and we sincerely wish him all the best for the future. We hope to see him get his career firmly back on track soon.

After careful consideration and looking at the available options, the Bears have moved to bring in the recently available Simon Lambert, who will help steady the middle order following recent defeats.

Lambert will make his Bears debut this Friday evening against his former club Scunthorpe, and he will be looking to make a strong start in Redcar colours.

THE Edinburgh Monarchs Academy laid down a marker as they opened their WSRA National Development League season with a pair of impressive wins over the Middlesbrough “Hartburn Garage” Tigers. Friday’s fixture in Scotland saw the hosts record an impressive 57-33 win on home shale.

A strong home performance saw five of the six Monarchs record double figure scores with their guest, James Shane topping the scorecharts with 13+1. Edinburgh’s debutant, the 23 year old Ben Whalley from New Zealand began with a bang as he struck a superb paid 29 across both matches.

The Tigers main resistance came in the shape of their number one, Ace Pijper who struck 13 including winning his opening four races at Armadale. The Tigers were also missing Nathan Ablitt who was on second tier duty with Scunthorpe. Ablitt was also missing on Saturday due to aggravating an old injury at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday.

Despite a pair of defeats, positive signs were there for the Tigers. Namely, Ace Pijper recording an impressive eight wins from his nine outings including a perfect four ride maximum on Saturday at the ECCO Arena. Additionally, the Tigers reserves, Harry Sadler and Charlie Southwick continued to develop with the latter hitting paid 14 across the two meetings whilst Sadler struck paid 13 from the two matches.

Saturday’s return match at the ECCO Arena was another challenging one for the Tigers as Edinburgh made it 5/5 points across the weekend as they took home a deserved 36-54 away win. Dayle Wood continued his impressive 2026 season as he struck paid 16 at the ECCO Arena as he continued his upward surge in both the Cab Direct Championship and the WSRA National League.

Despite some bright sparks from the Tigers, the Monarchs were too strong across both matches, with ex-Tiger Jamie Halder striking an impressive paid 21 from both matches after an injury interrupted 2025 season.

The Tigers next return to the ECCO Arena shale on July 11 against the Leicester Lion Cubs with the next Cab Direct Championship fixture on home shale coming up this Friday as Redcar look to return to winning ways against the Scunthorpe Scorpions.

Friday

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy = 57

1. Jordy Loftus = 12+1
2. James Halder = 10+2
3. Connor Coles R/R
4. James Shanes = 13+1
5. Dayle Wood = 11+1
6. Ben Whalley = 10+3
7. Anika Loftus = 1

Middlesbrough Tigers = 33

1. Ace Pijper = 13
2. Alex Spooner = 0
3. Jade Mudgway = 6
4. Stene Pijper = 0
5. Seth Norman (G) = 3+2
6. Harry Sadler = 5+1
7. Charlie Southwick = 6

Saturday

Middlesbrough Tigers = 36 (69)

1. Ace Pijper = 12
2. Alex Spooner = 1
3. Jade Mudgway = 4
4. Stene Pijper = 2+1
5. Seth Norman (G) = 4+1
6. Harry Sadler = 6+1
7. Charlie Southwick = 7+1

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy = 54 (111)

1. Jordy Loftus = 13
2. Jamie Halder = 7+2
3. Connor Coles R/R
4. James Shanes = 8
5. Dayle Wood = 14+2
6. Ben Whalley = 12+4
7. Anika Loftus = 0

The Middlesbrough Tigers face a fascinating double-header this weekend as they take on Edinburgh Academy twice in the space of just 24 hours.

The Tigers first head north to Armadale on Friday evening before returning to Teesside on Saturday night for the return fixture at the ECCO Arena.

There is extra motivation for the Tigers, who will be looking to finally get the monkey off their backs and record a first victory over their Scottish rivals after Edinburgh have won all four previous meetings between the sides.

Predicting the outcome of these two clashes is far from straightforward. Several riders remain relatively unknown quantities, with some new to National Development League racing, some making their debuts at the respective circuits and others returning after spells away from the sport.

Edinburgh’s James Shanes, who has recently impressed in non-league meetings, and Tigers newcomer Alex Spooner, who replaces retired Kai Ward, are both returning after lengthy absences from racing. Meanwhile Anika Loftus, Ben Whalley, and Harry Sadler are all set for their first taste of Armadale.

The Academy possess a strong spearhead in Jordy Loftus, Dayle Wood, and James Shanes, particularly on Friday when the Tigers will be without Nathan Ablitt, who is on Championship duty with Scunthorpe, Seth Norman deputises.

However, Middlesbrough may have the edge in overall strength throughout the team, while Saturday’s home meeting receives a further boost with Ablitt returning to the line-up.

The tight and technical nature of Armadale could favour the hosts in Friday’s encounter, whereas the more open ECCO Arena may suit the Tigers better on Saturday night.

The performances of the highly promising Charlie Southwick could also prove pivotal across both meetings.

One thing is certain — with two teams eager to make their mark, these meetings have all the ingredients for a pair of thrilling contests.

Two meetings. Twenty-four hours. One big weekend for the Tigers.

📍 Friday – Armadale Stadium | 7:30pm
📍 Saturday – ECCO Arena | 7:30pm

Edinburgh: Jordy Loftus, Jamie Halder, Connor Coles r/r, James Shanes, Dayle Wood, Ben Whalley, Anika Loftus

Middlesbrough (Friday): Ace Pijper, Alex Spooner, Jade Mudgway, Stene Pijper, Seth Norman (G), Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick
Middlesbrough (Saturday): Ace Pijper, Alex Spooner, Jade Mudgway, Stene Pijper, Nathan Ablitt, Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick

REDCAR’s home league campaign got off to the worst possible start as Poole took a 51-39 win at the ECCO Arena. Lewi Kerr returned to Redcar with a dazzling paid 17 (14+3) whilst Will Cairns struck paid 16 (15+1) for the reigning Cab Direct Championship Champions.

The Bears held the lead after 9 heats but the visitors were too strong in the latter stages, outscoring the Bears 28-11 in the last 6 heats. Jake Allen hit paid 14 (13+1) for Redcar, including a stunning heat 15 success but the Bears were outgunned overall, with attention now turning to tonight’s trip to Sheilfield Park to take on Berwick.

After a slight delay due to a tapes issue, the Bears started in superb style as Nicolai Klindt took a tapes to flag win to make it seven race wins on the spin, and with Jake Mulford using his home track knowledge to hold off William Cairns and Richard Lawson, Redcar struck the first blow.

Heat two saw Cairns make the gate, but with Poole’s guest, Harry Sadler hitting the deck, the race was stopped and the Poole guest was excluded. The re-run saw Cairns again trap perfectly for a comfortable win, but as the lone Pirate, Redcar’s four point lead remained intact.

Poole hit back with a big 5-1 in heat three as the ex-Bears duo, Lewi Kerr and Kyle Newman made the gate, and took the maximum heat advantage, despite Jason Edwards’ best efforts. Jake Allen opened his account with a win, but with Zach Cook capitalising on a mistake from Jody Scott, the Poole skipper ensured it was only a 4-2 for the hosts.

Lawson returned to winning ways in heat 5 as he took the heat win, and with rider replacement Kerr in second, Redcar were in arrears for the first time at 14-16. Redcar levelled matters in heat 6 as Mulford took a mightily impressive win, and with Klindt battling his way into 3rd, Redcar had parity.

After Kerr won a shared heat seven, Scott took a scintillating win, and with Mulford pipping the impressive young Sadler on the run to the line, Redcar re-took the lead with a 4-2 to lead 25-23 on home shale. Edwards returned to winning ways in heat 9, but with Jordan Jenkins at the back, Redcar could not extend their advantage.

Kerr continued on his merry way with a superb backstraight run on lap 1 for the win, and with Newman seeing off Klindt, the Pirates opened up a 2 point lead on aggregate.

After a shared heat won by Allen, Poole struck a major blow in heat 12 as Cairns won, and with Kerr battling into 2nd, the visitors opened up a six point advantage. Despite Klindt making the gate in heat 13, both Pirates battled past for a match winning 5-1 to give Poole a statement away win.

Heat 14 saw the impressive Cairns win, and with Newman 3rd, Poole pressed home their advantage. The final race of the evening was a stunner as Allen bounced off the back straight fence to pass both Pirates for the win to deny Kerr a paid maximum, but with Scott at the back, Redcar could not finish with a consolation heat advantage.

Redcar Bears = 39

1. Nicolai Klindt = 5
2. Jake Mulford = 6+1
3. Jordan Jenkins = 0
4. Jason Edwards = 5
5. Jake Allen = 13+1
6. Ace Pijper = 4
7. Jody Scott = 6+1

Poole Pirates = 51

1. Richard Lawson = 9
2. Fraser Bowes R/R
3. Lewis Kerr = 14+3
4. Kyle Newman = 7+2
5. Zach Cook = 6+1
6. William Cairns = 15+1
7. Harry Sadler (G) = 0