Category: Bears News

Redcar’s number 2, Connor Bailey is aiming to improve his performances for the Bears as his in-form side travel to Sandy Lane to take in Oxford in the club’s opening Cab Direct Championship fixture of 2023 with tapes up at 7:30pm in Oxfordshire.

The Tornado said, “ I’ve had a couple of good, strong finishes to meetings but I do need to start better. I also need to improve my gating. Subsequently, I have actually gone down to Oxford a day early to have a look at my engines and make some changes. I’m pretty confident in the changes I have made and hopefully they will help me with my gating.”

The youngster, who won his 2nd race in Bears colours against Berwick is impressed with the form of the Bears so far, “ We have been in good form as a team and we have had some good results so let’s keep it going!”

The British starlet is also looking forward to his second visit to Sandy Lane, “ I like the style of the Oxford track, I’m looking forward to going back there.”

Bailey is of the belief that Oxford will provide a stern test for Redcar, “ Their riders are quite strong and you can’t count anyone out on their home track. I think they are going to try and hit us hard and early with their heat leaders and then get their reserves working hard so we have to try and limit them to the best of our ability.”

Bailey also commented on Redcar’s choice of guest, with Tom Brennan in at number 1, someone Bailey knows well from his time at Glasgow, “ I rode with Tom all of last season and we know how we ride on track. I am programmed to be out 3 times with Tom (Brennan) tomorrow so I am hoping we complement each other well on track.”

Redcar have drafted in the aforementioned Speedway Of Nations (SoN) star and Glasgow skipper Tom Brennan to guest in place of the unwell Erik Riss whilst Danny King will be looking to continue his fine form after scoring paid 38 points across his last 3 meetings in British Speedway.

The hosts are also forced into a change with former Bear Lewis Kerr sidelined with concussion with the Cheetahs bringing in Berwick’s Leon Flint to guest. The remaining 6 Cheetahs are as per the Sandy Lane side’s declaration with Jordan Jenkins set to line up against his former side.

Oxford Cheetahs
1. Sam Masters 10.58
2. Cameron Heeps 4.33
3. Leon Flint (G) 7.72
4. Jordan Jenkins 4.72
5. Scott Nicholls (C) 8.24
6. Henry Atkins 2.00
7. Luke Killeen 2.00
™: Peter Schroeck

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Tom Brennan 8.24 (G)
2. Connor Bailey 4.32
3. Charles Wright 7.40 ©
4. Danyon Hume 5.68
5. Danny King 8.05
6. Jason Edwards 3.80
7. Jake Mulford 2.00

Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales has told his side they must go all out at Berwick and set their sights on victory as Redcar look to defend a 16 point lead in the Borders in the 2nd leg of the KO Cup 1st round with tapes up at 7pm at Shielfield Park.

The jovial co-promoter said, ” We go to every match to attack, we obviously have the cushion of the 16 point lead but we are taking a lot of fans up to Berwick but if we don’t go out with the mentality of winning the meeting, it’s not fair on our fantastic travelling support.”

Swales also reserved special praise for the club’s amazing fans, ” The ways the fans turn up at Berwick is almost like having another home meeting, the back straight is always packed and it’s a great atmosphere. We do love going to Berwick so hopefully the result goes in our favour this evening.”

The former rider also admitted to being surprised at the form of the returning Rory Schlein, ” The one surprise (of the Berwick septet) so far for me is Rory (Schlein), he has come back from his year out better than he was before. It is probably the best I have seen him since before he became British Champion. If Rory can keep that form going I see him getting the team a few results.”

Swales also spoke about Redcar’s not so secret weapon ahead of the clash, ” We will leave the team talk on track walk to Jade (Mudgway) as he knows the Berwick track inside out and he will let the boys know where you can and cannot ride at Shielfield Park.”

Swales also discussed Redcar’s British Champions, Charles Wright (10.33 average) and Danny King (9.28 average) who have started the season in incredible form for the “Agilia” Bears, ” Charles and Danny are absolutely frightening at the moment, we have an incredible heat leader trio and I would love to have Erik (Riss) back as soon as possible but Richard (Lawson) is doing a good job at the moment of standing in for him whilst Erik gets better.”

Redcar track the same side who secured an impressive 49-41 win against Scunthorpe last night with the Bears looking to make it 5 meetings undefeated at the home of the Bandits. Meanwhile, Berwick bring in their National League skipper, Greg Blair to guest in place of Nathan Stoneman who suffered shoulder ligament damage last week against Edinburgh. Additionally, Jonas Knudsen is out after his crash at Glasgow last night with the only facility available to the hosts being rider replacement with Jye Etheridge and the Berwick reserves being the riders eligible to take the Dane’s rides.

Berwick Bandits

1. Thomas Jorgensen 9.53
2. Rider Replacement for Jonas Knudsen
3. Leon Flint 7.00 ©
4. Jye Etheridge 6.29
5. Rory Schlein 8.18
6. Greg Blair 2.00 (G)
7. Connor Coles 2.00

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Richard Lawson 8.24 (G)
2. Connor Bailey 4.32
3. Charles Wright 7.40 ©
4. Danyon Hume 5.68
5. Danny King 8.05
6. Jason Edwards 3.80
7. Jake Mulford 2.00

Redcar bounced back from a 6 point deficit to end Scunthorpe’s 100% winning start to the season as they won 49-41 in a BSN Series thriller at the ECCO Arena. Charles Wright hit a faultless 18 point maximum for Redcar whilst Ryan Douglas hit 10 for the visitors.

Heading into heat 15, the Bears required a 4-2 heat advantage to force a super heat but despite Wright winning the race, Danny King was at the back which saw Scunthorpe secure the all-important aggregate bonus point.

Scunthorpe started superbly with a 5-1 in heat 1 as Richard Lawson and Connor Bailey were left standing at the start whilst Ryan Douglas and Simon Lambert took the spoils in a disappointing opening heat for the hosts.

Heat 2 saw the Bears bolt from the gate with Jason Edwards winning but Jake Mulford was passed by Scunthorpe guest Adam Roynon and his teammate Joe Thompson and despite Mulford’s best efforts to repass Thompson, he was unable to and the Scorpions remained 4 ahead. Wright got his night off to the perfect start with a superb race win after exchanging several passes with Connor Mountain with the Bears skipper diving up the inside on the final bend to take the win which sent the crowd wild.

The theme of shared heats continued in heats 4 and 5 with King taking the win in heat 4 whilst Wright passed Douglas on the opening lap in heat 5 to take his second win of his faultless evening. Former Bear Michael Palm-Toft came back to haunt Redcar in heat 6 as the Dane won and with Roynon securing 3rd ahead of Bailey, Scunthorpe extended their lead to 6 points.

Gavin Parr wasted no time in using his tactical substitute as the Bears team boss brought in Wright and the decision paid dividends as the Bears skipper combined with King to bring Redcar within 2 and suddenly the hosts had clawed back the majority of the deficit. Heat 8 saw Redcar level proceedings as Edwards took an impressive win despite being under intense pressure from Lambert and with Bailey comfortably 3rd, Redcar had the momentum.

The aforementioned momentum saw Redcar hit the front for the first time in heat 9 as Wright won again comfortably whilst Edwards saw off Roynon in the battle for 3rd which sent the Bears into a 2 point lead at the ECCO Arena. A dramatic heat 10 saw Redcar extend their lead to 6 as Lawson won but the story was behind the Bears guest as Jake Allen (in a comfortable 2nd) suffered mechanical issues which gifted Bailey 2nd and suddenly, the aggregate bonus point was in sight for Redcar.

Scunthorpe wasted no time in using their tactical substitute as Palm-Toft joined Douglas in heat 11 with Danny King tasked with dealing with the dangerous Scorpions pairing and the former British champion did exactly that as he won comfortably to keep the Bears 6 ahead, much to the delight of the home crowd.

After a shared heat 12 won by Wright, the Bears struck a huge blow in heat 13 with a superb 5-1 as King magnificently passed both visitors towards the end of lap 1 to bring the Bears level on aggregate. However, Scunthorpe hit back in heat 14 with a 4-2 as Allen impressively passed a hard charging Danyon Hume on the opening lap to edge the visitors ahead on aggregate with Redcar requiring a 4-2 heat advantage in heat 15 to force a nerve wracking super heat.

Charles Wright once again left his opponents standing as he flew from the gate to win convincingly but despite Danny King’s best efforts, he was unable to make an impression on the Scunthorpe pairing which left the Bears two short of their 10 point aggregate target and thus secured Scunthorpe’s place in the semi finals of the BSN Series.

However, The Bears are looking in a strong position for the title of best runners up from the 3 groups which will see them join the Scorpions in the semi finals of the BSN Series.

Redcar = 49 (89)

1. Richard Lawson (G) = 9
2. Connor Bailey = 3+1
3. Charles Wright = 18 MAX
4. Danyon Hume = 2
5. Danny King = 10+2
6. Jason Edwards = 7
7. Jake Mulford = 0

Scunthorpe = 41 (91)

1. Ryan Douglas = 10
2. Simon Lambert = 5+2
3. Connor Mountain = 5
4. Jake Allen = 5+1
5. Michael Palm Toft = 9+2
6. Adam Roynon (G) = 5+1
7. Joe Thompson = 2+2

Redcar team boss Gavin Parr has told his side they must start on the front foot against Scunthorpe this Friday as the Bears face a potentially decisive BSN Series group decider against the Scorpions with tapes up at 7:30 at the ECCO Arena.

Parr has stressed the importance of starting fast against the current group leaders, Scunthorpe, ” The lads know what is needed from themselves, we need to win and then we need to win by more than 10 points to secure the aggregate bonus point. We need to hit the ground running straight away, hit them hard and early and hopefully knock the confidence out of the Scorpions straight away.”

The Bears, fresh from their resounding away success at Birmingham, face a Scunthorpe side who have an unblemished record in 2023 and Parr knows they will be no pushovers, ” Scunthorpe are a good side, they will cause a lot of teams a lot of problems this season, home and away and we are certainly not taking the Scorpions lightly.”

Parr was also impressed with the performance of the Bears side, whilst giving special mentions to 3 of the Bears younger stars, ” Connor (Bailey), Jake (Mulford) and Danyon (Hume) were all fantastic last night, as were the rest of the side. Jake has got the monkey off his back after not winning a race at this level until last night whilst Connor had a superb win and on a track that afforded more passing, Danyon would’ve had 6 points easily.”

Parr also revealed the confidence Mulford gained from his superb heat 4 win at Birmingham, something the Bears boss hopes he continues in the weeks to come, ” When Jake came back into the pits after his win it was clear to see how much confidence that gave him, sometimes you don’t actually realise how much confidence winning a race does for you and that win has certainly helped Jake!”

The Bears remain unchanged from Wednesday as they continue to track Richard Lawson at number 1 in place of Erik Riss whilst Connor Bailey will be looking to carry on where he left off in the second city after his brilliant heat 11 win alongside Richard Lawson.

The Scorpions have drafted in former Bear Adam Roynon to guest in place of the long term injury victim Zaine Kennedy. Scunthorpe are led by their number 1, Ryan Douglas who scored 16 on his last visit to the ECCO Arena. The visitors also track two former Bears in their line-up as Jake Allen and Michael Palm-Toft once again return to the ECCO Arena.

Supporters who are unable to attend the ECCO Arena are reminded that the meeting can be live streamed at www.redcar-speedway.tv for £11.99

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

Richard Lawson 8.24 (G)
Connor Bailey 4.32
Charles Wright 7.40 ©
Danyon Hume 5.68
Danny King 8.05
Jason Edwards 3.80
Jake Mulford 2.00

Scunthorpe Scorpions
Ryan Douglas 9.38
Simon Lambert © 5.20
Connor Mountain 4.72
Jake Allen 6.30
Michael Palm-Toft 6.76
Adam Roynon 4.27 (G)
Joe Thompson 3.27

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears had a night to remember in the second city as they defeated Birmingham 52-38 to fire themselves into contention in the battle for top spot in the BSN Series Northern Group. Redcar guest Richard Lawson top scored with 13+1 whilst Nick Morris hit 12 for the hosts.

Birmingham started the meeting with a heat advantage as Nick Morris got the better of Richard Lawson despite educated pressure from the stand in Bears number 1 and with Connor Bailey unable to land a blow on Alfie Bowtell in the battle for third, Birmingham started in the ascendency. However, this would be as good as it got for the Brummies as they failed to hold their lead past heat 1.

Heat 2 saw Redcar immediately level the scores as Jason Edwards won comfortably and with Jake Mulford securing a confidence boosting 3rd place, Redcar returned the favour and levelled the scores. The 3rd race of the night saw Charles Wright gate but the Bears skipper was passed on the opening lap by Birmingham’s guest Zach Cook but with Redcar packing into 2nd and 3rd, the teams remained deadlocked at 9-9.

The deadlock was spectacularly broken in heat 4 as Mulford, fresh from his confidence boosting 3rd in heat 2, gated and rode superbly to win heat 4, and with Danny King protecting the Bears reserve excellently, Redcar hit the front for the first time with a big 5-1. Lawson took his first win of the evening in heat 5 after a superb gate but with Bailey at the back, Redcar’s lead was not extended further.

Nevertheless, Gavin Parr did not have to wait long for his side’s lead to be extended as heat 6 saw King defeat Morris and with Edwards 3rd, Redcar were looking relatively comfortable at 15-21. Laurence Rodgers opted to use his tactical substitute in heat 7 in the form of Morris but it was ultimately in vain as Wright won superbly but with Birmingham packing the minor placings, Redcar’s lead remained at 6 points.

Heat 8 saw the start of a mini revival for the hosts as they recorded back to back 4-2 heat advantages in heats 8 and 9 with the Aussie duo of Zach Cook and James Pearson taking impressive wins and with Redcar riders at the rear in both heats, the gap was cut to 2 points. Heat 10 was shared as Morris took the win but Danyon Hume superbly passed Bowtell to ensure Redcar’s lead remained intact at 31-29.

Any hopes of a comeback for the hosts were dealt a major blow with a Redcar 5-1 in heat 11 as Bailey showed maturity beyond his years to take the chequered flag, and with the impressive Lawson passing Sedgmen for second, Redcar re-established their 6 point lead at Perry Barr.

After a shared heat 12 was won by the impressive Cook, Redcar all but secured the win with a dazzling heat 13 5-1, their 3rd of the evening. Lawson and King left the Brummies standing at the start and the pairing of Morris and Sedgmen were unable to make an impression on the Bears duo which saw Redcar extend their advantage to 10 points.

Heat 14 saw the Bears seal the deal with a shared heat which was won by Stefan Nielsen despite the best efforts of a hard charging Danyon Hume but the visitors finished the contest in fantastic style with another 5-1 in heat 15 courtesy of Lawson and King who once again gated superbly to leave the Brummies behind to secure a 52-38 away win and two vital BSN Series points.

Redcar team boss Gavin Parr was delighted with the performance and the win, with the result being a real team effort, “ All of the boys chipped in tonight and rode superbly, it was a big win and hopefully we can take that momentum into Friday now against Scunthorpe!”

Birmingham Brummies = 38

1. Nick Morris = 12
2. Alfie Bowtell = 2
3. Zach Cook (G) = 10+1
4. Stefan Nielsen = 6
5. Justin Sedgmen = 3+1
6. Joe Thompson (G) = 0
7. James Pearson = 5

Redcar Bears = 52

1. Richard Lawson (G) = 13+1
2. Connor Bailey = 5
3. Charles Wright = 9
4. Danyon Hume = 4+2
5. Danny King = 11+3
6. Jason Edwards = 5+1
7. Jake Mulford = 5+1

Redcar heat leader Danny King believes it is a big week ahead for the club as the Redcar “Agilia” Bears look to gain ground on Birmingham and Scunthorpe in the BSN Series group stages. The Bears begin their week this evening at Perry Barr against Birmingham with tapes up at 7:30pm with both clubs looking to get off the mark in the BSN Series. 

The former British champion has high aspirations for the clash in the second city, ” I believe we can go there and win. I rode for them and Danyon also used to ride for Birmingham and I think the Birmingham track will suit a lot of our riders quite well. I’m looking forward to the meeting!”

The former Birmingham man firmly believes that top spot in the group is still attainable despite Scunthorpe taking maximum points from their first three fixtures, ” Top spot in the group is still up for grabs, no doubt about it! Scunthorpe have had a couple of good results and we are a little behind with our group fixtures but I believe that we can do what we need to do with the team we have, and that starts this evening!”

King also quashed any thoughts that the Bears may be lacking any sharpness with the Bears not being on track as a side since April 7th, ” Despite us not being together as a side, most of the boys have been racing apart from Connor (Bailey) and Erik (Riss) who is not fit to ride at the moment. I don’t foresee any problems as the lads have had plenty of meetings elsewhere.”

The “King of the shale” is also relatively pleased with his performances thus far in 2023, ” I have had a good start to the season with my scores on track, I have been scoring well but I am just hoping for a bit more consistency with getting meetings in as we have had a lot of rain-offs so far!”

The Bears bring in Poole’s Richard Lawson to guest for Erik Riss who has reported he is still suffering from an infection. Lawson will guest for Redcar in all three meetings this week. 

Meanwhile, Jake Mulford returns to the Bears fold having been back on the bike for 3 meetings since his high speed crash at the ECCO Arena against Berwick on April 2nd. The remaining 5 Bears are unchanged from the Good Friday trip to Scunthorpe. 

Birmingham are also forced into using a guest with James Wright still on the treatment table after his crash during Paul Starke’s testimonial at Plymouth with the Brummies management bringing in Zach Cook to guest at number 3. Cook top scored for Birmingham at Scunthorpe last Friday with 8+2. 

The Brummies will be hoping to bounce back on home shale after they were defeated 41-49 against Scunthorpe at home 7 days ago. On the other hand, the Bears realistically need to come away with the win to keep their hopes of top spot in the Northern Group alive. 

For fans unable to make the trip to Perry Barr to see the Bears in action live, Birmingham are to launch their new streaming service “Brummies TV” for £11.99, for more information please visit https://www.brummies.tv/. 

Birmingham Brummies 

1. Nick Morris 10.13
2. Alfie Bowtell 4.28
3. Zach Cook 5.51 (G)
4. Stefan Nielsen 4.82
5. Justin Sedgmen 7.04 ©
6. Ty Proctor 4.00
7. James Pearson 4.00

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Richard Lawson 8.24 (G)
2. Connor Bailey 4.32
3. Charles Wright 7.40 ©
4. Danyon Hume 5.68
5. Danny King 8.05
6. Jason Edwards 3.80
7. Jake Mulford 2.00

Redcar team manager Gavin Parr believes the “Agilia” Bears have another “tough test” ahead of them whilst also insisting The Brummies “are no pushovers” ahead of Redcar’s BSN Series home clash against the Brummies with tapes up at 7:30pm on Saturday at the ECCO Arena. 

The former rider turned team manager spoke surrounding the fitness issues of Erik Riss and Jake Mulford, “ As we speak (late Thursday evening), we are still not sure whether Erik or Jake will be with us on Saturday but we have some very good guests lined up just in case.”

Parr also discussed the health and fitness issues of the German star and the young British reserve, “ Jake had a physio appointment on Thursday and he is feeling a lot better. Although Jake is getting there, he is still a little sore so he is still unsure whether he can ride on Saturday. Meanwhile, Erik’s had a better day yesterday and his blood tests came back clear. However, he still feels he has a little “brain fog” so he is still a doubt for the match.”

Parr also explained the challenges the Bears will face against the Brummies on Saturday, “ People have labelled Birmingham as a “pushover” but I certainly do not see that from looking at their side and they have got some really good riders who ride the ECCO Arena superbly! Moreover, Nick Morris entertained everyone when visiting with Leicester last season and he is a classy rider, Stefan Nielsen is also impressive and they have two 4 point reserves, they are not being taken lightly!”

Parr continued, “I believe we will come out on top but it will be another tough battle for us. It will be nice if we can have all 7 lads back together and firing but if that’s not the case we have 2 good guests on standby to help us out!”

Whilst rider replacement is available to the Bears should Riss declare himself unfit, Parr is keen to avoid using the facility, “ I have a good guest lined up for Erik (Riss) and running rider replacement can be risky, if one of the other riders got injured we would have a 5 man team so in my book, rider replacement isn’t an option unless there is no other option!”

As mentioned, Redcar are sweating on the fitness of Riss and Mulford ahead of the clash with the remaining “Agilia” Bears ready to race ahead of Redcar’s 3rd BSN Series Northern group stage fixture of the season. 

Meanwhile, Birmingham have drafted in Zach Cook to guest in place of the injured James Wright who crashed out at Plymouth riding in Paul Starke’s testimonial meeting.

The Brummies also hand official debuts to Nick Morris, former Bear Ty Proctor and Alfie Bowtell whilst they also welcome back Stefan Nielsen, James Pearson and Justin Sedgmen for a second year with the Brummies with the latter being handed the captaincy by the Perry Barr management.

Saturday is the day of action with the Redcar promotion opting to move the fixture by 24 hours to avoid clashing with a Middlesbrough Football Club fixture which was brought forward for national TV coverage. For fans unable to attend the ECCO Arena the meeting will be streamed live on the British Speedway Network (BSN).

Redcar “Agilia” Bears 

1. Erik Riss 8.24
2. Connor Bailey 4.32
3. Charles Wright 7.40 ©
4. Danyon Hume 5.68
5. Danny King 8.05
6. Jason Edwards 3.80
7. Jake Mulford 2.00

™: Gavin Parr

Birmingham Brummies 

1. Nick Morris 10.13
2. Alfie Bowtell 4.28
3. Zach Cook 5.51 (G)
4. Stefan Nielsen 4.82
5. Justin Sedgmen 7.04 ©
6. Ty Proctor 4.00
7. James Pearson 4.00

™: Laurence Rodgers

Scunthorpe secured a 50-40 BSN northern group stage Series success against Redcar after some superb bank holiday speedway at the Eddie Wright Raceway. Ryan Douglas top scored for the hosts with 14 whilst an under the weather Charles Wright hit a superb 14 for Redcar.

The Scorpions started off in superb style with a 5-1 as Ryan Douglas took a customary heat 1 win but all the action was behind the Australian as Simon Lambert pushed both Bears out and joined his partner at the front to open up an early advantage for Scunthorpe.

Jason Edwards opened the Redcar account for heat winners with a heat 2 success but with Redcar guest Nathan Stoneman at the back, the early gap remained at 4. The unwell skipper Wright, showed no ill effects on track as he took the chequered flag in heat 3 but despite the very best efforts of a battling Danyon Hume, Redcar remained 4 adrift.

Ex Bear Michael Palm-Toft marked his return as a Scorpion with an opening win as he passed Danny King to win heat 4 and with Joe Thompson passing Stoneman, the Scorpions increased their lead to 6. Another former Bear extended Scunthorpe’s lead to 8 as Jake Allen intelligently held off a hard charge from Redcar’s guest, Justin Sedgmen and with Connor Bailey unable to pass Connor Mountain, Scunthorpe went 8 up.

Redcar found themselves in further trouble as the hosts extended their lead to 10 points courtesy of their third 4-2 on the bounce after a superb race. Douglas and King passed for fun in the opening couple of laps until the Scunthorpe number 1 secured 1st but then Lambert flew from 3rd to pass King, only for the experienced Bears heat leader to return the favour on the run to the line to limit the damage for Redcar.

After a shared heat 7 won by the impressive Wright, Redcar secured their first heat advantage in a closely contested heat 8. The “Agilia” Bears gated on a 5-1 with the magnificent Edwards joined by Bailey at the front but the Scunthorpe skipper, Simon Lambert split the Bears pairing. Nevertheless, Redcar had their first heat advantage thanks to a magnificent Edwards win.

However, Scunthorpe immediately re-established their 10 point advantage as the in-form Allen held off a strong challenge from King to take the chequered flag and with Mountain in 3rd, Scunthorpe had a firm grip on proceedings. Gavin Parr chose King for Redcar’s tactical substitute in heat 10 but the former British Champion was unable to get the better of Palm-Toft, but with Redcar filling the minor places, Scunthorpe could not extend their lead.

Wright and Edwards delighted the large travelling contingent as they brought Redcar within 8 after a fantastic 5-1. Wright continued his unbeaten run but Edwards showed maturity beyond his years to ride a brilliant defensive race to hold off Mountain and the Bears were in with a chance.

Heat 13 saw Scunthorpe hit back as the sublime Douglas won and with Palm-Toft using the outside line to pass King on the run to the line and with that, Scunthorpe were close to securing the opening success of the BSN Series northern group. The victory was secured for Scunthorpe with a heat 14 5-1 as Allen took his 3rd win and with Scunthorpe’s guest and with Ty Proctor holding off a determined challenge from Danyon Hume, Redcar were 12 behind.

Heat 15 saw the Scorpions gate on a 5-1 which would have given them a 16 point buffer ahead of the ECCO Arena return (with the new aggregate bonus point being key in a 3 team group). However, Wright had plenty to say as he passed Douglas and then Allen at the beginning of lap 4 to take the win and with Allen blowing a tyre on the final bends, Sedgmen gratefully took third which saw a patched up Bears come away 50-40 losers after some scintillating Good Friday Speedway.

Scunthorpe = 50

1. Ryan Douglas = 14
2. Simon Lambert = 5+1
3. Connor Mountain = 5
4. Jake Allen = 10+1
5. Michael Palm Toft = 9
6. Ty Proctor (G) = 5+2
7. Joe Thompson = 2+1

Redcar = 40

1. Justin Sedgmen (G) = 8
2. Connor Bailey = 1
3. Charles Wright = 14
4. Danyon Hume = 2+1
5. Danny King = 7+1
6. Jason Edwards = 8+1
7. Nathan Stoneman (G) = 0

Redcar’s Jason Edwards has stated he just wants to keep developing despite his best ever return of 13+1 as a Bear ahead of Redcar’s trip to Scunthorpe this afternoon (tapes up at 5pm) in the BSN Series group stages. 

Edwards was typically reserved when asked about his form ahead of the northern group opener at the Eddie Wright Raceway, ” I know what I can do within myself but I just want to keep progressing as a rider. I have gone from just aiming to score a point or two at the start of last season to getting myself into the number 2 position at Redcar in 2022 and holding my own so I just need to keep building.”

The Bears asset also explained why he decided to commit to the next two seasons at Redcar, ” Redcar is a speedway club, not just a team and it’s great to ride for the club. All of the away riders are always wanting to come to Redcar and that’s a testament to the club. I also get to ride one of the best tracks in the country week in week out which is always a bonus!”

The man of the match against the Bandits also explained why he left the National League behind in 2023, “This season, I need to establish myself in the top 2 leagues which is why I decided not to ride in the National League in 2023.”

Edwards also praised the Eddie Wright Raceway, the home of the Scorpions, ” Scunthorpe is one of the fairest tracks in the country and we have done okay as a side there before so hopefully we can go there and do a job!”

Edwards also alluded to the fact that today’s meeting is Scunthorpe’s first at home this season, ” Today is Scunthorpe’s first match of the season, they have had a press day at home but haven’t had a home meeting yet so if things are going well as a team that could play into our hands.”

Redcar head into the clash having to call upon their first two guests of the season as Justin Sedgmen comes in to replace Charles Wright who is sidelined with illness. Additionally, Berwick’s Nathan Stoneman comes in to replace the injured Jake Mulford with the Bears reserve out for 12 days due to a possible concussion. 

The hosts are also forced into a change with Zaine Kennedy set for a spell on the sidelines after a BMX accident with Birmingham’s Ty Proctor coming in as a guest. The Scorpions hand a debut to Joe Thompson whilst they also welcome back a former Bear in Michael Palm-Toft who last rode for the Scorpions back in 2017. Team Manager Dave Peet also makes a welcome return to the sport after suffering from cancer.

Scunthorpe Scorpions

1. Ryan Douglas 9.38
2. Simon Lambert © 5.20
3. Connor Mountain 4.72
4. Jake Allen 8.30
5. Michael Palm-Toft 6.76
6. Ty Proctor (G) 4.00
7. Joe Thompson 3.27 

Redcar “Agilia” Bears 

1. Erik Riss 8.24
2. Connor Bailey 4.32
3. Justin Sedgmen (G) 7.40
4. Danyon Hume 5.68
5. Danny King 8.05
6. Jason Edwards 3.80
7. Nathan Stoneman (G) 2.00