Category: Bears News

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears returned to home shale with an impressive 54-36 win over a Diamonds select at the Ecco Arena. Erik Riss top scored with paid 16 whilst the Diamonds select number 1, Steve Worrall hit 14 for our visitors.

Redcar began with a pair of 4-2’s to stamp their mark on proceedings with Adam Roynon taking an impressive win in heat 1 ahead of Steve Worrall. Jordan Jenkins started an impressive evening’s work with a comfortable win and with Jason Edwards passing George Congreve, the Bears had their second heat advantage.

Redcar’s first maximum heat advantage arrived in heat 3 as the energetic Jenkins made it 2 wins from 2 as Riss shepherded his teammate home for the win despite calculated pressure from Ashley Morris. Redcar’s early dominance continued with another Jordan Jenkins win in heat 4 and another Bears 5-1 as Kerr held off a strong challenge from Paul Starke to send the hosts into an 18-6 lead.

The Diamonds hit their first heat advantage in front of a large travelling support in heat 5. Both number 8’s were given the opportunity to impress but a hard charging Kyran Lyden was ultimately too eager and made an untimely passing attempt on Josh Embleton which resulted in the youngsters exclusion. The re-run saw Riss and Worrall battle it out for the win with the Diamond taking the win after an impressive final lap pass whilst Embleton gained valuable experience and a point for his efforts.

Redcar re-asserted their dominance on the meeting with a heat six 5-1. Wright won very comfortably and a 4-2 looked to be on the cards until Paul Starke suffered an engine failure on the final lap to gift Roynon 2nd. Heat 7 saw another Steve Worrall heat win and with Ashley Morris in third, the Diamonds slightly reduced the arrears to 12 points.

The first shared heat of the evening arrived in heat 8 as Jenkins took another impressive win to hold off the experienced James Wright in second. Starke then won heat 9 impressively as he held off a quicker looking Erik Riss who stalked his Premiership teammates’ back wheel for 4 laps and came close to the win on the line.

The Bears increased their lead to 14 points with a heat ten 4-2 as Wright won comfortably to the delight of the home faithful. Worrall, who was looking quick, continued his fine form with another heat win but with Redcar packing the minor placings, the lead of 14 was maintained. Heat 12 saw Riss return to winning ways but Jenkins hopes of a maximum were dashed as he stuttered out of the gate and could not make up the requisite ground to pass the Diamonds pairing despite his best efforts.

The third shared heat in a row followed in heat 13 as Worrall made it 11 points on the night with the win but all of the action was unfolding behind the Brit. Kerr, on a 15m handicap due to a tapes infringement fought his way into contention and threw everything at Starke and passed his fellow countryman on lap 3 to take a well deserved point.

The run of shared heats was emphatically broken in heat 14 as Riss continued his impressive second tier form with another win. The German was joined by Jason Edwards at the front to send the Teessiders into a 51-33 lead.

The final race was one to savour as all 4 riders threw the bikes at each other for the entirety of the race with Riss ending Worrall’s winning run with a solid win to end an emotionally charged evening on Teesside.

Redcar’s Adam Roynon believes tonight’s win was a real team effort, “Everyone worked well as a team tonight. We all rode well and performed as a team to get the win on what was a tough evening for the opposition and their fans.”

The former Diamond was also effusive in his praise for Redcar’s Jordan Jenkins who scored 12 points from a possible 15, “Jordan was terrific tonight, he rode well and got the points he deserved.”

The Redcar promotion gave the Diamonds fans the opportunity to come onto the track for a photograph to remember the occasion. A moment that will live long in the memory followed as “Diamonds are forever” was played over the tannoy alongside huge cheers from the Bears fans. Everyone at Redcar Speedway sincerely hopes The Diamonds can return in 2023 to re-ignite our north-east rivalry.

Redcar Bears = 54

1. Charles Wright = 9
2. Adam Roynon =  6+1
3. Erik Riss = 15+1
4. Kasper Andersen R/R = 7+1
5. Lewis Kerr = 7+2
6. Jason Edwards = 5+3
7. Jordan Jenkins = 12
8. Kyran Lyden = 0

Diamonds Select = 36

1. Steve Worrall = 14
2. Matthew Wethers R/R = 4+1
3. Ashley Morris = 3
4. Max Clegg = 3+1
5. Paul Starke = 7
6. George Congreve = 1
7. James Wright = 7
8. Josh Embleton = 1

Redcar boss Jade Mudgway believes tonight’s meeting against a Diamonds select,(19:30 start) at the Ecco Arena is about putting on a show for the fans. The Kiwi said, “Tonight is just about putting on a show for the fans and having a good meeting. It is also a chance to say thank you to the Diamonds fans,officials and riders for the rivalry we have had over the years.”

Tonight’s meeting has become a reality after the unfortunate withdrawal of Newcastle from the SGB Championship, the Diamonds owner, Rob Grant closed the club citing financial problems and poor home attendances as the primary reasons behind the club’s closure. Tonight’s meeting was scheduled to be a league clash but the Bears promotion have worked hard behind the scenes to bring the Diamonds back for possibly the final time in a challenge fixture.

Mudgway is also realistic about the chances of a return for the Diamonds,”I’m not optimistic that the Diamonds will run again but it is definitely a possibility. There are some great people up in Newcastle but it is hard work to run a speedway club.”

The Kiwi also believes that it is important for the Bears to get back on home shale after circumstances interfering with the Bears home schedule,”We were dropped in it a little bit after the Diamonds withdrawal. We have a speedway club here and we have to run fixtures. This fixture is the perfect scenario, it works for everyone.”

The former Berwick man believes this meeting gives the Diamonds riders the chance to put themselves in the shop window for team places,”The Diamonds riders will definitely want to put themselves out there for a team place. The Diamonds have some good riders in their side but things just haven’t worked out for whatever reason.”

Redcar are without Kasper Andersen for this fixture, and will operate r/r in his absence, whilst the Diamonds bring in Steve Worrall at 1, Ashley Morris will ride at 3 and their ex Kiwi George Congreve rides at 6. The rest of the side is made up of 2022 Diamonds.

A large crowd is expected at the Ecco Arena for a meeting that is sure to be full of emotion for the fans in attendance. As ever, fans who are unable to attend the Ecco Arena can follow heat by heat updates on Twitter or purchase a live stream pass for £11.99 from https://www.redcar-speedway.tv/

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright  (C)
2 Adam Roynon  
3 Erik Riss            
4 Kasper Andersen r/r
5 Lewis Kerr        
6 Jason Edwards
7 Jordan Jenkins

The Diamonds select

Steve Worrall
Rider Replacement for Matthew Wethers
Ashley Morris
Max Clegg
Paul Starke
George Congreve
James Wright

Redcar boss Jade Mudgway believes tomorrow’s meeting against a Diamonds select,(19:30 start) at the Ecco Arena is about putting on a show for the fans. The Kiwi said, “Tomorrow is just about putting on a show for the fans and having a good meeting. It is also a chance to say thank you to the Diamonds fans,officials and riders for the rivalry we have had over the years.”

Friday’s meeting has become a reality after the unfortunate withdrawal of Newcastle from the SGB Championship, the Diamonds owner, Rob Grant closed the club citing financial problems and poor home attendances as the primary reasons behind the club’s closure. Friday’s meeting was scheduled to be a league clash but the Bears promotion have worked hard behind the scenes to bring the Diamonds back for possibly the final time in a challenge fixture.

Mudgway is also realistic about the chances of a return for the Diamonds,”I’m not optimistic that the Diamonds will run again but it is definitely a possibility. There are some great people up in Newcastle but it is hard work to run a speedway club.”

The Kiwi also believes that it is important for the Bears to get back on home shale after circumstances interfering with the Bears home schedule,”We were dropped in it a little bit after the Diamonds withdrawal. We have a speedway club here and we have to run fixtures. This fixture is the perfect scenario, it works for everyone.”

The former Berwick man believes this meeting gives the Diamonds riders the chance to put themselves in the shop window for team places,”The Diamonds riders will definitely want to put themselves out there for a team place. The Diamonds have some good riders in their side but things just haven’t worked out for whatever reason.”

Redcar track their full septet whilst the Diamonds bring in Steve Worrall at 1, Ashley Morris will ride at 3 and their ex Kiwi George Congreve rides at 6. The rest of the side is made up of 2022 Diamonds.

A large crowd is expected at the Ecco Arena for a meeting that is sure to be full of emotion for the fans in attendance. As ever, fans who are unable to attend the Ecco Arena can follow heat by heat updates on Twitter or purchase a live stream pass for £11.99 from https://www.redcar-speedway.tv/

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright  (C)
2 Adam Roynon  
3 Erik Riss            
4 Kasper Andersen
5 Lewis Kerr        
6 Jason Edwards
7 Jordan Jenkins

The Diamonds select

Steve Worrall
Rider Replacement for Matthew Wethers
Ashley Morris
Max Clegg
Paul Starke
George Congreve
James Wright

Birmingham took a 50-40 win over Redcar as the Bears struggled to overcome a slow start in the second city. Redcar’s 10 last places in comparison to Birmingham’s 5 was ultimately the difference on the night. Justin Sedgemen hit 10 for the hosts whilst Lewis Kerr top scored with 11 for the Bears.

The meeting started with a shared heat with Charles Wright taking the win after the race was awarded due to Redcar’s Adam Roynon coming to grief on lap 2. Birmingham trapped on a maximum heat advantage which they held in heat 2 as James Shanes and James Pearson combined to send Birmingham into an early 8-4 lead. Redcar’s early troubles were exacerbated with another Birmingham 5-1 in heat 3 as Paco Castagna and Ashley Morris took a comfortable win over Erik Riss and Kasper Andersen.

The first super race of the evening arrived in heat 4 as Lewis Kerr and Justin Sedgemen battled for the win with Kerr taking the win but with Jordan Jenkins at the back, the Bears could not eat into the Brummies early lead. Redcar’s nightmare start continued in heat 5 as Castagna and Morris combined for another maximum heat advantage to send Birmingham into a startling 12 point lead.

Heat 6 saw Birmingham extend their lead to 16 as Claus Vissing and Stefan Nielsen held off a hard charging Kerr for another Brummies 5-1. The Bears resurgence began with back to back 4-2’s in heats 7 and 8 with Riss and Jenkins taking the chequered flag.

After a shared heat 9 won by the impressive looking Kerr, the Brummies hit another 4-2 with Vissing taking an impressive win with Riss successfully overcoming Nielsen to limit the heat 10 damage. Redcar’s first 5-1 of the evening arrived in heat 11 as Wright and Jenkins combined to get the better of James Shanes and Justin Sedgemen and suddenly Redcar had a chance.

The realistic hopes of winning the meeting were cruelly ended in heat 12 when Jade Mudgway elected to use his tactical substitute in the form of Kerr. The Kings Lynn man suffered mechanical problems at the start meaning Redcar could not eat into Birmingham’s 10 point lead despite Riss winning the race.

Redcar’s slim hopes of a victory were emphatically ended by Sedgemen who won heat 13 impressively despite early pressure from Kerr. Jenkins rounded off a personally impressive evening with a comfortable heat 14 win but with both Brummies usurping Andersen the hosts’ lead remained at 10.

Ahead of heat 15, Redcar required a 5-1 to take a consolation point home but Sedgemen proved too quick out of the gate to round off a disappointing night for the Bears.

Redcar team boss Jade Mudgway was understandably disappointed with the result, “We weren’t sharp enough out of the gate in the first 7 races. We didn’t perform well enough in the early stages but I thought Birmingham rode really well as a side and they were more aggressive out of the starts in the early stages.”

The Kiwi believes the slow start ultimately cost his side, “We showed our usual levels of determination to try and pull back the deficit but we ultimately left ourselves with too much to do in the second half of the meeting.”

Birmingham Brummies = 50

1. Claus Vissing = 7
2. Stefan Nielsen = 7+1
3. Paco Castagna (G) = 10
4. Ashley Morris = 7+3
5. Justin Sedgemen = 10
6. James Shanes = 5+1
7. James Pearson = 4+3

Redcar Bears = 40

1. Charles Wright = 8+1
2. Adam Roynon = 1
3. Erik Riss = 10+1
4. Kasper Andersen = 1
5. Lewis Kerr = 11
6. Jason Edwards = 0
7. Jordan Jenkins = 9+1

Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales believes his side has to maximise every opportunity for league points, starting at Birmingham this evening, (19:30 start).

The Teessiders are battling it out to finish in the top 2 positions at the end of the season and Swales believes his side has every chance, “We need to try and maximise every opportunity we have for league points, if we can get the right results we have every chance of finishing second as it looks like Leicester will finish top at the end of the regular season.”

The rider turned promoter wants to finish as high as possible, even if the Bears don’t finish in the top 2, “I want the prestige of finishing as high as we possibly can. I don’t want to just be happy to finish inside the top 6 and I would not be happy if we did end up finishing 6th!”

The former Workington star also heaped praise on Redcar’s reserves who have both now secured SGB Premiership rising star spots, “Both of the reserves clearly have a bright future. In my opinion, it was only a matter of time before both of them got signed up in the Premiership and hopefully, it will be a good bit of experience for them which in turn, will hopefully help their form for Redcar.”

Swales also dismissed any form of rivalry with the Brummies who are under new ownership, “The new Birmingham promotion is trying to do everything right and they have had some struggles. They were left with quite a lot to do and they are doing the best they can. I really hope the Birmingham fans turn out and support the side as they are a great club and we can’t afford to lose them from the sport. There is no bad blood between us and Birmingham.”

Swales also discussed the wider future of the sport after the sad demise of the Newcastle Diamonds with the rider shortage and squad systems forming the main part of his thoughts on the situation.

The Bears promoter said, “I really think the whole sport should be transitioning more towards a squad system. When you look back at the team pictures from Middlesbrough in the early 90’s, there were 10 riders. Back then, it wasn’t an official squad system but it was assumed that ¾ riders would be swapping positions.”

Swales continued, “The problem we have with the lack of riders is that we are too much of a closed shop, doubling up is the main problem with guesting also an issue. Poland has an abundance of riders but they are the only country that does. Sweden are struggling more than the UK for riders, the UK actually has more licensed riders than Sweden.”

Attentions now turn to the hunt for more league points in the Midlands and the Bears are again at full strength ahead of the clash with Erik Riss looking to continue his strong SGB Championship form at his former club. Birmingham welcome back Claus Vissing from his Danish duties whilst they track their former rider, Paco Castagna as a guest for the stricken Josh Auty.

Bears supporters are reminded of a reduced entry at Perry Barr for season ticket holders from any UK club. Throughout June, fans who produce a valid 2022 season ticket from and UK track will be admitted to the stadium for just £10! We hope to see as many Bears fans as possible at Birmingham to cheer on the boys!

Birmingham Brummies

1. Claus Vissing 7.61
2. Stefan Nielsen 4.63
3, Paco Castagna 7.35 (G)
4. Ashley Morris 5.09 ©
5. Justin Sedgmen 6.51
6. James Shanes 4.43
7. James Pearson 4.00
TM Laurence Rodgers

Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1 Charles Wright 8.95 (C)
2 Adam Roynon 4.06
3 Erik Riss            7.79
4 Kasper Andersen 5.80
5 Lewis Kerr         8.15
6 Jason Edwards 3.29
7 Jordan Jenkins 3.26
TM Jade Mudgway

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears mustered all of their fighting spirit to see off a determined Oxford side 47-43 at the Ecco Arena. The clash was a ding-dong battle throughout with a last heat decider going the Bears way. Erik Riss top scored for Redcar with 13 whilst the impressive Dillon Ruml top scored with 12 for the visitors.

The meeting started with a comfortable heat 1 win for Redcar’s skipper, Charles Wright who was untroubled by Oxford’s pairing of Scott Nicholls and Kyle Newman who in turn, saw off Adam Roynon to pack the minor places.

Jordan Jenkins was excluded from heat 2 after colliding with the first bend air fence. This gave the Cheetahs the opportunity to take the lead which they duly did with the impressive Ruml taking his first win of the evening and with Josh McDonald nursing a sick bike around for 3rd, the Championship newcomers hit the front.

The Bears middle order immediately hit back with a maximum heat advantage courtesy of Erik Riss and Kasper Andersen to send Redcar into an early 10-8 lead. Back to back shared heats followed with Troy Batchelor securing his first win in heat 4 ahead of Lewis Kerr and Jordan Jenkins who navigated their way past Ruml.

Heat 6 saw Wright controversially excluded following a nasty looking crash involving the Bears skipper and Josh McDonald. Wright left the track holding his shoulder, more on that later! The re-run saw Batchelor make it 2 wins from 2 outings despite Roynon keeping the Australian honest in second. Again, McDonald nursed his sick bike around for the important third place to bring Oxford level.

Alarm bells began to ring in the Bears camp as the Cheetahs secured their first 5-1 of the evening. Kyle Newman and Cameron Heeps got the better of Lewis Kerr which sent shockwaves throughout the Ecco Arena crowd. Back to back shared heats followed with Riss ending Batchelor’s winning run in heat 9.

Heading into heat 10, Redcar were still 4 behind but that lead was cut in half as Wright dusted himself down to take the chequered flag and with Roynon securing a vital third place, Redcar were within touching distance. Heat 11 saw Oxford use Troy Batchelor as their rider replacement but Lewis Kerr somehow held off a hard charging Scott Nicholls to ensure Oxford could not surge further ahead.

Riss continued his unbeaten evening in heat 12 but the action was all happening behind him as Jenkins rode brilliantly to come up the inside of Newman to bring the Bears level heading into the final 3 heats.

Heat 13 saw one of THE rides of 2022 as Wright, a distant second after lap 2 somehow gained the required drive to pass Nicholls on the back straight of the final lap to secure the heat win for the hosts. However, with Oxford packing the minor places they were level heading into heat 14.

Heat 14 was a rollercoaster race as Edwards initially led but was passed at the beginning of lap 2 by Ruml, at the start of lap 3, Edwards nearly lost it which relegated the Brit to third, and then on the final lap Ruml locked up massively to gift Andersen the win to send Redcar into the lead for the first time since heat 6. After the rollercoaster race, Andersen’s bike packed up with the Redcar fans thanking their lucky stars it did not happen during the race!

Redcar required a 3-3 from Riss and Wright for the three league points heading into heat 15 and the Teessiders initially gated on a 5-1. Wright passed his teammate Riss at the start of lap 2 and then Redcar’s German star was passed by Nicholls to deny Riss his maximum. The Redcar skipper took the win and with Riss in third Redcar took the 3 league points. Oxford took home a deserved consolation league point after a classic Championship clash at the Ecco Arena.

Redcar boss Jade Mudgway never lost belief in his side despite the ding-dong nature of the match, “This side are battlers and I always had the belief that the boys could do it but it was a tough meeting.”

The Kiwi also revealed that Charles Wright dislocated his shoulder in heat 6 and still went on to win the meeting for the club, “Charles is a special rider, he dislocated his shoulder in heat 6 but that shows the mettle of the man, he knew that his team needed him so he went out there and did the job. Charles would not have done that if he wasn’t as committed to the club as he is. I have complete admiration for him. Speedway riders are a different breed.”

Redcar Bears = 47

1. Charles Wright = 12
2. Adam Roynon = 5
3. Erik Riss = 13
4. Kasper Andersen = 5+1
5. Lewis Kerr = 6
6. Jason Edwards = 3
7. Jordan Jenkins = 3+2

Oxford Cheetahs = 43

1. Scott Nicholls = 10
2. Jack Thomas R/R = 6+2
3. Kyle Newman = 4+1
4. Cameron Heeps = 6+2
5. Troy Batchelor = 9+2
6. Dillon Ruml = 12
7. Josh McDonald = 2

Unfortunately, tonights meeting against Oxford will not be livestreamed.

This is being recorded, and will be available to view at a later date. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Unfortunately, the KO Cup Second Leg tie at Berwick due to be raced on Saturday 11th June has had to be postponed due to staff illness.

We will advise once a restaging date is known.

Redcar boss Jade Mudgway believes his side can go all the way and lift the league title this season ahead of Redcar’s SGB home clash with Oxford this Friday, (19:30 start at the Ecco Arena). The Kiwi said, “I believe we have the side to go all the way but first things first, we need to get enough points to make the play-offs.”

The Kiwi stressed that his side is capable of success, “The riders are capable but we will need things to fall into place for that to happen but the same goes for any team that does end up winning the league, you need that bit of luck along the way.”

Mudgway also believes there are positives and negatives to be taken from the fact that the Bears have already defeated the Cheetahs on home shale this season, “Obviously, it’s good that we have beaten them already at home this season and that may give us that little bit of edge you are looking for on Friday. On the other hand, they should have their set-ups ready from the off.”

The former Redcar reserve believes 11 points from Redcar’s last 4 meetings has been a real team effort, “I can’t single out one particular rider that has stood out from our recent meetings. It has been great to see Kasper (Andersen) get back to what we know he can do in the last couple of meetings, Lewis (Kerr) and Erik (Riss) were great for us at Newcastle and Scunthorpe whilst our reserves have also been flying! As I said though, it has been a real team effort to get us the points.”

The former Berwick star also moved to allay a small minority of supporters worries after the recent cancellation of two Sunday fixtures for the Bears, “The fans have nothing to worry about in regards to the clubs finances, everything is completely fine in that department.”

The co-promoter expanded on the issues the club have faced, “The club is run by volunteers and unfortunately, we cannot run meetings without our volunteers, if certain people aren’t available it’s not as simple as getting a replacement for that meeting, you need training for certain roles that our volunteers have. As we have said, we are taking steps to ensure we can run Sunday fixtures in the future.”

In a speedway rarity, both sides track their full 1-7’s ahead of the clash with Redcar’s Lewis Kerr looking to keep up his impressive form for the Bears. 

Meanwhile, the Oxford Cheetahs welcome back their Australian reserve Josh MaCdonald from his injury lay-off. The Cheetahs also track two former Grand Prix stars in Scott Nicholls and Troy Batchelor in the heat leader berths as they look to make a charge for the play-offs.

Fans who are unable to attend the Ecco Arena can follow the club’s official Twitter feed which will provide heat by heat updates from Friday’s Championship clash.

Redcar “Agilia” Bears 

1 Charles Wright 8.95 ©

2 Adam Roynon 4.06

3 Erik Riss            7.79

4 Kasper Andersen 5.80

5 Lewis Kerr         8.15

6 Jason Edwards 3.29

7 Jordan Jenkins 3.26

TM Jade Mudgway 

Oxford Cheetahs

1. Scott Nicholls 8.39 ©

2. Jack Thomas 5.54

3. Kyle Newman 4.88

4. Cameron Heeps 4.88

5. Troy Batchelor 8.00

6. Dillon Ruml 4.20

7. Josh MaConald 4.00

TM Jason Crump/ Peter Schroeck