Category: Bears News

Redcar jumped up to 4th place in the SGB Championship table with a convincing 55-35 win over the Plymouth Gladiators. In truth, Plymouth were a 2 man team as their superstars Jason Crump and Bjarne Pedersen got 24 of the Gladiators 35 points.

The “Agilia” Bears were kept honest in the early stages as Plymouth recorded 4 of the first 6 race winners and were only 4 behind heading into heat 7. Redcar doubled their lead in heat 7 when Michael Palm-Toft was joined by the impressive man of the match Anders Rowe for a big Bears 5-1. Michael Palm-Toft lowered the colours of Jason Crump in heat 11 as he swooped around the Australian on lap 3 to take the chequered flag and with Anders Rowe taking 3rd the Bears extended their lead to 10. Jake Allen and Jordan Jenkins combined for a big 5-1 in heat 12 to all but secure the Bears the 3 points.

The 13th heat of an enjoyable afternoon saw a shock as Bjarne Pedersen ran a last but with Jason Crump taking the win the Bears could not extend their lead. The penultimate race saw a win for Jake Allen with Anders Rowe picking up another 3rd place ahead of tomorrow’s British final. Finally, the Bears fans sent their fans home happy as the heat leader duo of Palm-Toft and Allen combined for a 5-1 over Crump and Pedersen to record a solid 20 point win.

Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales was happy with the result, “Plymouth are no longer a pushover but our side are all starting to hit form together and that was the key today. Sarjeant was brilliant today, he had some clutch issues earlier in the year but he has solved that issue now and he has been brilliant for us this week. Anders Rowe was brilliant tonight, I haven’t seen anyone work as hard as he did for 3 points at Scunthorpe on Friday but he did a great job today. If Anders can improve his gating he could score maximums! Finally, Jordan Jenkins found it hard at Scunthorpe but today he was excellent, he was unlucky not to get a couple more.”

The British Youth Championship was an exciting affair as the young hotshot Oliver Bovingdon who recently took a guest booking for the Cubs was the winner of group A in the 125cc class. Second place on the podium went to Stene Pijper whilst Cooper Rushen came 3rd. Group B saw Redcar’s Edward Davison take the title. Second place was Seth Norman whilst Harry Fletcher rounded off the podium spots.

Redcar Bears = 55
1. Charles Wright = 5
2. James Sarjeant = 10
3. Jake Allen = 14
4. Jordan Stewart RR = 8
5. Michael Palm Toft = 12
6. Anders Rowe = 10
7. Jordan Jenkins = 4

Plymouth Gladiators = 35
1. Jason Crump =11
2. Dillon Ruml = 3
3. Zach Cook = 2
4. Zane Keleher = 2
5. Bjarne Pedersen = 13
6. Danyon Hume (G) = 4
7. Jason Edwards = 0

125cc Group A

1st: OLIVER BOVINGDON
2nd: STENE PIJPER
3rd: COOPER RUSHEN

(257) Rico Joyce = 4
(15) Oliver Bovingdon = 7+3 (WINNER)
(3) Archie Rolph = 4
(22) Jamie Etherington = 10 (4TH)
(63) Cooper Rushen = 12+1 (3RD)
(777) Billy Budd = 3
(266) Caydin Martin = 0
(159) Stene Pijper = 8+2 (2ND)

125cc Group B

1st: EDWARD DAVISON
2nd: SETH NORMAN
3rd: HARRY FLETCHER

(111) Edward Davison = 9+3 (WINNER)
(10) Jack Franklin = 3
(6) Seth Norman = 7+2 (2ND)
(55) Ethan Hoare = 8
(4) Casper Kluczniak = 3
(417) Becky Weston = 2
(23) Harry Fletcher = 6+1 (3RD)
(2) Laylan Richardson = 10 (4TH)

Redcar are set for a revenge mission as they take on the Plymouth Gladiators today, (14:00 start). The Bears will be looking to set the record straight as they went down to a 46-43 defeat at the Plymouth Coliseum on Tuesday. This is Redcar’s first home meeting in 23 days as a number of rain-offs have halted Redcar’s home shale progress. Plymouth have struggled on their travels this season with many of their side new to British racing but they did underline their improved form of late on Friday night at Armadale as they gave Edinburgh an almighty fright before going down 47-42. The Gladiators are led by two bonafide legends of the sport in Jason Crump and Bjarne Pedersen. Pedersen has been the star man for Plymouth this season and he was ultimately the difference between the two teams in the reverse fixture.

Redcar continue with their 6 man side whilst the Gladiators draft in Danyon Hume to guest at reserve as Alfie Bowtell is taking some time to be with his newborn baby, we send our best to the Bowtell family. 

Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales is cautiously optimistic ahead of the battle, “We’re in for a tough test judging by the Plymouth performance at Edinburgh last night, the Gladiators are starting to put some good performances together now and we are going to need to up our gating game and make sure they don’t get a shock result”

Redcar heat leader Michael Palm-Toft is happy with his upturn in form but has stated tomorrow is must win for the Bears, “It’s a must win for sure, we need to win at home to keep our play-off hopes alive. We did some setup changes to the bike when we went to Belle Vue as I was lacking speed and all of a sudden I had an abundance of power in the engine, more than I’ve ever had! This gives me a lot more setups to play with when tracks are different.

Finally, I don’t believe the team have all clicked at the same time yet so I don’t think the team is in great form but everyone has shown great potential and if we can fire on all cylinders at the same time we will be hard to beat.”

Fans are encouraged to stay behind after the main meeting for an extra 19 heats of speedway as the British Youth Championship rolls into town. This time its the turn of the 125/150cc class as they enter Round 3 of this years championship. Redcar’s Cubs have three representatives in Becky Weston, Laylen Richardson and Edward Davison, the latter going through the card in Round 2 to take the win in the support class. 9 year old, and previous MPA crowd pleaser, Oliver Bovingdon also takes his place in the lineup.

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright 9.26

2 James Sarjeant 4.62

3 Jake Allen 7.13

4 Jordan Stewart R/R

5 Michael Palm Toft 7.55

6 Anders Rowe 4.22

7 Jordan Jenkins 2*

TM Jade Mudgway

“Plymouth “Atkins Financial Management” Gladiators 

 1. Jason Crump (C) 12.00

2. Dillon Ruml 4.00

3. Zach Cook 4.00

4. Zane Keleher 4.80

5. Bjarne Pedersen 9.24

6. Danyon Hume 3*

7. Jason Edwards 2.00
TM Garry May

To coin a popular speedway phrase, tonight’s action was “Speedway out of the top drawer” at Scunthorpe as the Bears fell to a 46-44 defeat against a strong Scorpions side. Redcar’s star man was the former Scorpion Jake Allen who scored paid 15 from his 6 outings. 

The early stages of the meeting did not go to plan for Redcar as the Scorpions surged into a 22-14 lead after 6 races and the Bears were in trouble. The 7th heat of the evening saw the Redcar resurgence begin as Charles Wright as the tactical substitute joined Jake Allen for a 5-1 to bring Redcar within 6 of the play-off chasers. Heat 8 was a fantastic race as James Sarjeant emerged from bend 2 with the lead whilst Anders Rowe passed Josh MacDonald and the Bears were on a heat advantage only for Simon Lambert to pass Sarjeant which meant we had a shared heat at the Raceway. Redcar made further inroads to the Scunthorpe lead as Michael Palm-Toft passed Thomas Jorgensen and Anders Rowe was in a comfortable third until he lifted violently on the back straight of lap 3 but he held off the pressure of Theo Pijper to preserve his 3rd place. Scunthorpe’s lead now sat at 2 but the Scorpions returned the favour with a 4-2 of their own as Adam Ellis continued his perfect evening so far with another win. The Bears hit back with their own blow with their 2nd 4-2 in 3 races as Charles Wright won and James Sarjeant finished third to bring the Bears within 2 again. 

Heat 13 was a fabulous race as Scunthorpe gated on a 5-1 until Palm-Toft split the Scorpions pair whilst Charles Wright looked like he had got the better of Thomas Jorgensen for third until he clipped the fence on the last bend which gave the Scorpions a valuable 4-2. Heat 14 was a vintage race as Jake Allen and Anders Rowe looked like they had gated to bring Redcar level until Anders Rowe lost speed and both Scorpions took advantage for a 3-3 which left Redcar needing a 5-1 in heat 15 for a draw. The last heat of an exciting evening saw Adam Ellis gate with the Bears duo of Allen and Palm-Toft behind until Palm-Toft found some drive to pass Ellis whilst Allen was all over the back wheel of Adam Ellis until the last bend until Allen locked up which secured the win for the Scorpions. 

Redcar’s Jake Allen was quite happy with his evening overall, “I enjoyed my return to my old club, I was happy with my performance and I think I rode very well but I was disappointed not to come out on top in heat 15 but you can’t win them all!”

It is important to note that Redcar’s travelling support was absolutely immense with over 150 Bears fans in attendance and they made for a fantastic atmosphere on bend 1.  

Scunthorpe = 46

1. Adam Ellis = 13+1
2. Simon Lambert = 10
3. Theo Pijper = 5+2
4. R/R = 6+1)
5. Thomas Jorgensen = 5+1
6. Jordan Palin = 10+1
7. Josh MacDonald = 3

Redcar = 44

1. Charles Wright = 10
2. James Sarjeant = 5+1
3. Jake Allen = 14+1
4. R/R = 7
5. Michael Palm Toft = 12
6. Anders Rowe = 3+1
7. Jordan Jenkins = 0

Redcar are set for their 2nd away meeting of the week tonight as they travel to Lincolnshire (19:30 start) to do battle with fellow play-off chasers, the Scunthorpe Scorpions. Scunthorpe are undefeated at home in the league this season but Redcar have some men who like the Eddie Wright Raceway circuit such as Jake Allen and Michael Palm-Toft who are both former Scorpions and the travelling Bears contingent will be hoping their team can add to their on road tally. The Scorpions have not had a home fixture for over a month and the Bears will be hoping to capitalise on some race rustiness from the Lincolnshire outfit.

Redcar track the same side as the trip to Plymouth Coliseum on Tuesday with rider replacement still in operation whilst the Scorpions are at full strength. The meeting promises to be an exciting affair with true racers on both sides of the pits.

Redcar second string James Sarjeant won his first race at Plymouth on Tuesday after a 31 day break from action and he is looking to getting into a run of meetings, “I’m looking forward to the meeting as it’s nice to have a few meetings after a month long break. I feel I have suffered due to only riding in the Championship as the rest of the boys in the team are riding in two leagues. In terms of tonight’s meeting, I think we can go really well there and I think we have a good enough team to go and win there.”

Scunthorpe have GB star Adam Ellis at number 1 whilst they also track 2 former Bears in their septet in the form of the veteran Theo Pijper and the exciting Thomas Jorgensen. Interestingly, Jorgensen is the 6th highest points scorer of all time for the Scunthorpe, a huge achievement in only 5 seasons with the Scorpions. Finally, their young rising star Jordan Palin should be in confident mood after his impressive evening for Peterborough in the SGB Premiership on Monday when he defeated Dan Bewley in heat 13 at the National Speedway Stadium.

Scunthorpe “HEB” Scorpions

1 Adam Ellis 7.92
2 Simon Lambert 5.82 (C)
3 Theo Pijper 6.55
4 Tero Aarnio 6.90
5 Thomas Jørgensen 6.90
6 Jordan Palin 1*
7 Josh Macdonald 4.00

TM Dave Peet

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright 9.26
2 James Sarjeant 4.62
3 Jake Allen 7.13
4 Jordan Stewart R/R
5 Michael Palm Toft 7.55
6 Anders Rowe 4.22
7 Jordan Jenkins 2*

TM Jade Mudgway

Plymouth Gladiators proved just too strong for the Redcar Bears at the Plymouth Coliseum as they ran out 46-43 winners on Tuesday evening meaning Redcar picked up a consolation league point. Plymouth held a narrow 3 point advantage heading into the decisive heat 15 but Bjarne Pedersen completed his maximum with 3 points to get the win for the Gladiators. The former Grand Prix star was the difference between the two sides.

The meeting actually started in scintillating fashion for the Bears as they hit a maximum advantage in the first heat of the evening as James Sarjeant was followed home by Charles Wright. Heat 5 was a controversial affair as Charles Wright tangled with Zane Keleher on the opening bends and Wright was excluded from the re-run with the Redcar fans on the back straight not agreeing with the decision from Jim McGregor. The 2nd running then saw Zane Keleher excluded after a crash with James Sarjeant which left 2 riders for the 3rd staging. The 3rd and final staging saw Zach Cook beat James Sarjeant to bring Plymouth within 1. Redcar’s lead evaporated after heat 6 when Jason Crump defeated Michael Palm-Toft and Dillon Ruml got the better of Anders Rowe to send the Gladiators into a 1 point lead on the night. The 8th heat saw the Gladiators strike their first major blow as their new signing Jason Edwards combined with the in-form Alfie Bowtell to take a 5-1 for the Southern side. Jake Allen continued his impressive evening in heat 10 to take the win and a vital 3rd place from Anders Rowe brought the Bears within 3 of the Gladiators.

The pairing of Allen and Rowe came together again in heat 12 and this time with greater effect as Redcar hit their 2nd 5-1 of the night to take a 1 point lead ahead of the final 3 races. Heat 13 saw the pendulum swing back in favour of the Gladiators as their star men, Crump and Pedersen combined for a 5-1 to send Plymouth back into a 3 point lead. Jake Allen continued his superb evening with a win in heat 14 but with the Gladiators packing the minor placings Redcar could not make any further inroads. The final race saw Bjarne Pedersen win from the gate which secured the win for the Gladiators but with Palm-Toft and Allen beating Crump the Bears secured a point that their efforts deserved. The undoubted star for the Bears was Jake Allen with 16 points from his 6 outings.

Bears Boss Jade Mudgway was in a philosophical mood after the encounter, “We could have pinched a win but Plymouth were good this evening. At times we struggled out of the gate but at other times we were making good gates. When you come down to heat 15 away from home and you need a 5-1 it’s hard, especially with Bjarne Pedersen and Jason Crump, Bjarne was in good form and he made great gates all evening. Although we were defeated tonight I still believe it is realistic to reach the top two in the league if we get our heads down and keep plugging away.

A reminder to all Bears fans that finishing in the top two positions in the league will guarantee Redcar a bye into the Play-Off semi-finals at the end of the campaign.

Plymouth Gladiators : 46

1. Jason Crump = 8
2. Dillon Ruml = 2
3. Zach Cook = 5+1
4. Zane Keleher = 5+1
5. Bjarne Pedersen = 14+1 Paid Maximum
6. Alfie Bowtell = 9
7. Jason Edwards = 3+1

Redcar Bears : 43

1. Charles Wright = 5+1
2. James Sarjeant = 8+1
3. Jake Allen = 16
4. Jordan Stewart R/R = 6+1
5. Michael Palm Toft = 8+1
6. Anders Rowe = 5+1
7. Jordan Jenkins = 1+1

After a weather imposed 16 day break from Championship action Redcar embark on a southern tour as they take on the Plymouth Gladiators on Tuesday (19:00 start) with another away trip to Scunthorpe on Friday, having seen the meeting against Poole cancelled. Plymouth turned heads when their application to race in the Championship was accepted as they swooped for 3-time world champion Jason Crump and former GP star Bjarne Pedersen to spearhead their campaign but things have been far from smooth for the Gladiators who are in the lower reaches of the Championship table after a number of home defeats. 

Currently, the Redcar “Agilia” Bears sit in the Championship play-off places and will be hoping for a strong week away from home to solidify their play-off aspirations. Redcar name a 6 man side as they again utilise rider replacement for Jordan Stewart whilst the Plymouth Gladiators are at full strength and will be feeling more confident on home shale after their recent home win against Edinburgh. That victory saw the return of Jason Crump from an injury lay-off and the Bears will be wary of the threat posed by the 3 time World Champion. Nevertheless, returning Redcar rider James Sarjeant is looking forward to the clash, “I have seen a few races online from Plymouth this year and they seem to be dialled in around there but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. It will be good to have a busy spell with Redcar after a long break.”

Plymouth “Atkins Financial Management” Gladiators 

1. Jason Crump (C) 12.00

2. Dillon Ruml 4.00

3. Zach Cook 4.00

4. Zane Keleher 4.00

5. Bjarne Pedersen 10.37

6. Alfie Bowtell 3*

7. Jason Edwards 2.00

TM Garry May

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Charles Wright (C) 9.26

2. James Sarjeant 4.62

3. Jake Allen 7.16

4. Rider Replacement for Jordan Stewart

5. Michael Palm-Toft 7.55

6. Anders Rowe 4.22

7. Jordan Jenkins 2*

TM: Jade Mudgway

We were informed today by Poole Speedway, that due to stadium issues, our fixture on Wednesday 11th August will now be cancelled.

Promoter Jitendra Duffill commented, “We can only apologise to any fans making the trip to support the Bears over these couple of days for this disappointing news. It is far from ideal for us as a club, however we have to sympathise with the cards Poole have been dealt. I know Poole are devastated by this news, which is just as frustrating for them as it is us.”

Redcar will still take on Plymouth Gladiators tomorrow night (7pm).

Unfortunately with an unfavourable forecast that doesn’t seem to be changing, tonight’s meeting against Berwick Bandits is postponed.

This meeting will now be Sunday 29th August, with a 2pm start.

All tickets will be transferred to next week’s meeting

Redcar are set to continue their play-off charge when they entertain the Berwick Bandits tonight, (19:30 start). The Bandits will no doubt be looking for revenge for the 48-42 defeat inflicted at Sheilfield Park back in June. 

After a rain-imposed two weeks off the Teesside outfit welcome 3 riders back from injury and isolation as Jordan Jenkins, James Sarjeant and Anders Rowe all make their returns. Redcar continue with rider replacement whilst the search continues for a replacement for Jordan Stewart. The injury curse seems to have switched to the Bandits after their clash with Glasgow. Jye Etheridge and Berwick track specialist Danny Gappamier have both been ruled out with whilst their influential rising star Leon Flint is in Latvia on GB duty. Despite the absences the Bandits still pose a legitimate threat to Redcar as they have former Bears Aaron Summers and Kasper Andersen in their ranks and young reserve Kyle Bickley is no stranger to the Media Prima Arena circuit. Berwick have called upon the services of the exciting Italian Paco Castagna who guests in place of Etheridge. With guest availability sparse, the Berwick promotion offer a one night only promotion to their own National League Bullet Greg Blair at number 2 leaving rider replacement to operate in place of Gappmaier at 3. 

Redcar co-promoter Jamie Swales is in confident mood ahead of the Championship clash, “We should have enough in the tank to take on a depleted Berwick side, but we can’t be complacent at all, four of the Bandits have put a lot of laps in around the Media Prima Arena in Summers, Bickley and Blair will be dangerous to us. Kasper Anderson at reserve is their trump card and our reserve pair will need to bring their A game to contain him.”

Redcar “Agilia” Bears
1. Charles Wright (C) 9.26
2. James Sarjeant. 4.62
3. Jake Allen 7.13
4. Rider Replacement for Jordan Stewart
5. Michael Palm Toft 7.55
6. Anders Rowe 4.22
7. Jordan Jenkins 2*
TM Jade Mudgway

Berwick “FTS” Bandits
1 Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen 6.95
2 Greg Blair (G) 3*
3 Rider Replacement for Danny Gappmaier
4 Paco Castagna (G) 6.54
5 Aaron Summers. (C) 6.67
6 Kasper Andersen 4.93
7 Kyle Bickley. 3.35
TM Gary Flint

Redcar Bears will now take on Kent Kings on Friday 3rd September at 7:30pm.

All tickets from last Friday will be available to use automatically this week (06/08) against Berwick Bandits.

Or you can request a refund via our ticketing partner Event Genius. You will receive an email from them confirming this.

The Promotion’s offer from the shortened Newcastle meeting last week will also still be available for the Berwick meeting.