Category: Bears News

The Eastbourne Eagles pulled off a shock victory at the Media Prima Arena as the Bears lost their undefeated home record. Eastbourne were simply electric out of the gate in the first half of the meeting as the Redcar riders struggled to adapt to track conditions after the track was hit with 30 minutes of rain before the start of the meeting. 

Despite track conditions proving tricky at times the meeting provided some fabulous entertainment as the meeting progressed. The meeting started off in the worst possible way for the Teessiders as the Eagles pairing of Kyle Newman and Richard Lawson hit a maximum 5-1. Heat 2 saw the Bears hit back with a 4-2 as Anders Rowe took the chequered flag. Heat 3 saw a frankly incredible ride from Jake Allen who went from third to first to take the win for the Bears to keep the gap at 2. Heats 4 and 5 saw the Eagles press home their early advantage with back to back 5-1’s as Michael Palm-Toft and Jake Allen suffered mechanical gremlins. Heat 6 saw a shared heat whilst heat 7 saw Michael Palm-Toft bring the Bears within 8 with a 4-2 heat advantage. Heat 8 saw disaster strike for the home side as Drew Kemp and Kyle Newman combined to take the Eagles lead to 12 points. Heat 9 saw Anders Rowe pull off a scintillating move to go past both Eagles to take the win with Jake Allen in third to bring the Bears within 10. 

Heat 10 saw Jade Mudgway use his tactical substitute in the form of Michael Palm-Toft and the decision proved to be the right one as the Bears gated and never looked back to make it a 6 point meeting. Heat 11 saw Anders Rowe suffer a fall but the gap remained at 6 as the impressive Palm-Toft won again. Heat 12 was a wonderful win for the Eastbourne Eagles as they took a giant stride towards winning the meeting with a maximum heat advantage. Redcar are not a side to lie down easily and heat 13 saw the Bears two strongest performers, Wright and Palm-Toft combine for a 5-1 to keep the Bears slim hopes alive. Any lingering hope of an unlikely comeback was extinguished in the 14th heat as Jordan Jenkins suffered a fall as the Eagles Tom Brennan took the win. Heat 15 saw another fall for Bears skipper Charles Wright (his second of the evening) but he dusted himself down to finish on a high with a 5-1 heat advantage. The Eagles fully deserved their win as they simply adjusted quicker to track conditions and were faster out of the gate in the first half of the meeting. 

Bears team manager Jade Mudgway was understandably disappointed with the result as we caught up with him, “The top and bottom of it was that we just didn’t make starts, we raced hard but we struggled out of the gate. Gating has been a little bit of a problem for us this year but we will keep working on things but when the track is wet you have to make starts. Eastbourne were great this evening, they got stuck in but I was still impressed with some of our riders as they got stuck in and gave it all.”

Redcar = 43

1. Charles Wright – R, 2, 3, 2*, 3 = 10+1
2. James Sarjeant – 1, FX, 1*, 1 = 3+1
3. Jake Allen – 3, R, 1, 0, 2 = 6
4. Rider Replacement for Jordan Stewart
5. Michael Palm Toft – R, 3, 2*, 3, 3, 2* = 13+2
6. Anders Rowe – 3, 1, 1, 3, FX, 1 = 9
7. Jordan Jenkins – 1, 1, 0, FX = 2

Eastbourne = 47

1. Richard Lawson – 2*, 2*, 2, 1, 1 = 8+2
2. Kyle Newman – 3, 3, 2*, 1, X = 9+1
3. Edward Kennett – 2, 2, 1, 3 = 8
4. Tom Brennan – 1*, R, X, 3 = 4+1
5. Lewis Kerr – 3, 3, 2, 0 = 8
6. Jason Edwards – 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Drew Kemp – 2, 2*, 3, 2*, 1 = 10+2

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears return to the Media Prima Arena (Friday, 19:30 start) after a comparatively short 19 days away from home as they come up against a strong Eastbourne side. The Bears are looking to leapfrog Leicester into 4th place in the league with a home victory to continue their unbeaten home run. Eastbourne are sure to provide a stern test for Redcar, as they track former Bears star Richard Lawson whilst captain Lewis Kerr has previously shown a liking to the Media Prima Arena track. Refreshingly, Eastbourne track a full British 1-7 and have shown continuity as they have retained 6 members from their 2019 side. 

Redcar’s Anders Rowe drops to reserve whilst James Sarjaent moves into the number 2 slot, a position he performed well in for the Edinburgh Monarchs. Tonight’s encounter could be decided by the two young reserves for each team. The Eagles track Drew Kemp who scored a blistering 15 point maximum when winning the U19 British final back in August 2019 at Redcar whilst Jason Edwards is on a 4 race unbeaten streak at Redcar as he won his last 4 races at the recent U21 semi-final at Redcar. Redcar’s reserve pairing is one of the most exciting in the Championship, Anders Rowe will be looking to bring his Premiership form into the Championship whilst Jordan Jenkins will be looking to improve on his impressive start to his Bears career. 

We caught up with Redcar reserve Jordan Jenkins ahead of the meeting, “Friday is going to be a tough meeting for sure, Eastbourne pushed Glasgow hard on their own turf which tells everyone something. To be honest there’s not one weak rider in their side, however all of us Bears are more than capable of scoring points especially at home. We will have to be on top form from the off and hit them hard. Finally, It will be nice to get some more meetings flowing again after a spell of no meetings”.

REDCAR “AGILIA” BEARS

1. Charles Wright 9.66 (Captain)

2. James Sarjeant 4.29

3. Jake Allen 7.16

4. Rider Replacement for Jordan Stewart

5. Michael Palm Toft 7.60

6. Anders Rowe 4.23

7. Jordan Jenkins 2*

TM Jade Mudgway

EASTBOURNE “HG AEROSPACE” EAGLES

1. Richard Lawson 8.77

2. Kyle Newman 5.41

3. Edward Kennett 7.96

4. Tom Brennan 5.92

5. Lewis Kerr 7.57 (Captain)

6. Jason Edwards. 2*

7. Drew Kemp 3.58

TM Trevor Geer

We have agreed a new date with Kent to re-stage today’s washed-out SGB Championship fixture. This will now go ahead on Friday 30th July @ 7.30pm.
All tickets for today’s meeting have now been transferred to next Friday’s league match against Eastbourne. For those unable to make that fixture, you can apply for a refund via Event Genius. Full details have been sent via email.
If you have any questions or additional requests, please email support@eventgenius.co.uk for further help.

Tonight’s Championship League clash against Kent has been postponed due to the weather. The MPA has taken a lot of water overnight and today’s forecast is for constant rain.
Our ticketing partner Event Genius will be in touch by within the next few hours to offer a solution to those who have pre-purchased tickets – you will have the option to use it for the Bears’ next home meeting, or to apply for a refund.

Please contact support@eventgenius.co.uk if you need any help.

We are working on a re-staging date and will let you all know when that is as soon as it is agreed – apologies for the inconvenience!

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears take on newcomers the Kent Kings in the first ever Championship encounter between the two sides. The Bears welcome back captain Charles Wright, after his GP Qualifier and are looking to bounce back from a defeat at Leicester whilst the Kings welcome back Cameron Heeps from injury but still operate rider replacement for the recently retired ex-Bear Tom Bacon.

The Kings are led by British speedway legend Scott Nicholls and with a potential trump card at reserve in the shape of Dan Gilkes, winner of the British U21 semi final at Redcar last Thursday. The Kings are sure to provide a stern test to Redcar but the Bears will start the meeting as favourites. 

We caught up with Redcar heat leader Jake Allen as he shared his thoughts on tonight’s meeting “The season has started well for me, I had a blip at Leicester last weekend but I made up for it the next day with paid 14 at a guest booking. I’m happy with my form as in the majority of my meetings I’ve been in double figures in both leagues scoring over my average, so hopefully can continue that throughout the season and into the playoffs. The Bears have been going well, I’m especially impressed with Jordan Jenkins, he’s been our trump card at the moment so hopefully he can push on and keep putting in the good scores. Everyone’s been doing their job and we are a team of racers and I think it shows on track. To be honest, I don’t know much about Kent. I have never been to the track as it’s always been a National League track so it’s new to me to be racing against them so hopefully we can send them home empty handed!”

Fans are also encouraged to stay behind for the 6 heat Northern Junior League match as the Redcar Cubs take on Berwick. 

Redcar “Agilia” Bears. 

1. Charles Wright       9.35   (Captain)
2. Jordan Stewart    5.74 (Rider replacement)
3. Jake Allen              7.26
4. Anders Rowe        4.27
5. Michael Palm Toft 8.18
6. James Sarjeant   3.90
7. Jordan Jenkins.    2*

TM Jade Mudgway

Kent “TouchTec” Kings

1. Scott Nicholls 8.48 (Captain)
2. Paul Hurry 5.72
3. Paul Starke 6.40
4. Tom Bacon 5.28 (Rider replacement)
5. Cameron Heeps 7.32
6. Ben Morley 3.86
7. Dan Gilkes 1*

The Leicester Lions proved why they are the reigning Championship title holders as they were simply too strong for the Bears. The star man for the Lions was the young prodigy Dan Thompson who scored 13 points from 7 rides whilst the Bears top scorer was the guest Richard Lawson who scored 11 points. 

The meeting actually began in positive fashion for the Bears as Richard Lawson won from the gate and Jordan Jenkins passed Ty Proctor on bend 2 lap 1 for a Bears 4-2. Heat 2 saw the Thompson twins take a maximum heat advantage as James Sarjeant slid off in pursuit of Joe Thompson on the last lap. Heat 3 saw the Bears gate on a 5-1 only for Jake Allen to be passed by Kyle Howarth but Anders Rowe took the chequered flag to bring the meeting level at 9 apiece. Heat 4 saw one of the races of the night as Jordan Jenkins and Ryan Douglas had a ding-dong battle before Jenkins was excluded due to a collision with the Australian. Heat 5 saw the Lions take a vice-like grip on the meeting after both Lions passed Jake Allen for a maximum heat advantage. Heat 6 saw stand-in skipper Michael Palm-Toft steady the ship with a win but the gap remained the same as the Lions packed the minor placings. The 7th heat of the evening saw Leicester pick up another 5-1 as Dan Thompson and Ryan Douglas defeated Jake Allen and Anders Rowe. Heat 8 saw a titanic battle between the Bears rising star Jordan Jenkins and the experienced Ty Proctor with the Englishman taking the chequered flag. 

Heat 9 saw the Lions take their lead into double figures with a 4-2 as Kyle Howarth took the win. Heat 10 saw the league champions extend their lead further with another 4-2 advantage with a win from their number 1 Nick Morris. Heat 11 saw Redcar use their tactical substitute and it looked like the decision had paid off with the Bears on a 5-1 before Palm-Toft suffered bike problems meaning the Bears only secured a 4-2. Heat 12 saw another shared heat as Allen and Jenkins packed the minor places for the Bears. Heat 13 saw the Bears pack the minor places again as Ryan Douglas picked up his maiden win on the night. Heat 14 saw any hopes of a consolation point extinguished as Ty Proctor passed Anders Rowe to take the Lions lead to 12. The final heat of the evening saw Richard Lawson take the win in a shared heat with the Lions running out 51-39 winners. 

After the meeting we caught up with Jordan Jenkins who had another solid evening and the Bears reserve had this to say on the evening, “Tonight could have been better as I dropped a couple of points here and there but it could’ve been a lot worse. I never settle and I am always wanting to do better but it was a decent night. Leicester is a hard place to come so I don’t believe this is a massive setback for the team but I think we do miss having Jordan Stewart in the 1-7. I’m already looking forward to the Kent meeting on Friday, they have some good riders but I believe we can win the meeting if we ride well.”

Leicester Lions = 51

1. Nick Morris – 2, 2, 3, 0 = 7

2. Ty Proctor – 0, 1*, 2, 1, 1 = 5+1

3. Kyle Howarth – 2, 2*, 3, 3, 1* = 11+1

4. Josh Bates R/R 

5. Ryan Douglas – 2, 2*, 2, 3, 2 = 11+1

6. Dan Thompson – 3, 0, 3, 3, 1, 0, 3 = 13

7. Joe Thompson – 2*, 1*, 1*, 0 = 4+3

Redcar Bears = 39

1. Richard Lawson (G) – 3, 0, 3, 2, 3 = 11

2. Jordan Stewart R/R 

3. Jake Allen – 1, 1, 1, 0, 2 = 5

4. Anders Rowe – 3, 0, 0, 2, 0 = 5

5. Michael Palm Toft – 3, 3, 2, 1, 1*, 0 = 10+1

6. James Sarjeant – F, F, 0 = 0

7. Jordan Jenkins – 1, 1, Ex, 3, 1*, 2 = 8+1

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears head to the home of the Leicester Lions (19:00 start) with revenge on their minds after the heartbreak the club suffered on their last visit to the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena when they lost out on a place in the Play-Off Final with a last heat defeat which ended their 2019 title aspirations. The Bears face a Leicester side who are tipped for another strong season under the leadership of Stewart Dickson. 

The Bears are unfortunately without their captain Charles Wright who is taking part in the Grand Prix Qualifier at Glasgow but the Bears have booked their former number 1 and track specialist Richard Lawson to guest in his place. In the absence of Wright, Michael Palm-Toft will captain the Bears and the Dane is looking forward to the meeting, “I think we have got a very solid 1-7 that has the ability to win away meetings which has been shown with our results so far. If I’m being honest I don’t focus too much on the opposition we are facing, I don’t even know who Leicester have got in their team as it doesn’t interest me who I’m riding against! Personally, I’ve done very well at Leicester in the past and want to give 100% as I always do and put last week’s problems behind me. Furthermore, I don’t think I’ve hit that wave yet when everything seems easy but I’m hopeful that will come soon. Finally, I’ll be honest and say last week was a setback for me personally but no excuses and I’m just looking forward to Saturday and hopefully another away win for the team.”

The meeting is sure to be an exciting affair as the Bears look to continue their recent winning run against another bona fide Play-Off contender and in a shortened season picking up away points are of paramount importance to the club. The riders would appreciate any fans that make the trip down to Leicester to hopefully cheer the 6 Bears to a big away win as the club continue to operate rider replacement in the absence of Jordan Stewart.

LEICESTER “Watling JCB” Lions

1. Nick Morris
2. Ty Proctor
3. Kyle Howarth (C)
4. Rider replacement for Josh Bates
5. Ryan Douglas
6. Dan Thompson
7. Joe Thompson

Team Manager: Stewart Dickson

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1. Richard Lawson (G)
2. Rider Replacement for Jordan Stewart
3. Jake Allen
4. Anders Rowe
5. Michael Palm-Toft (C)
6. James Sarjeant
7. Jordan Jenkins

Team Manager: Jade Mudgway

Dan Gilkes was the winner of the U21 semi-final at the Media Prima Arena as he sent a warning message to the Redcar Bears promotion as a man to watch when he returns to the Media Prima Arena with the Kent Kings next Friday. Gilkes hit 14 points, tying with Berwick’s Kyle Bickley, just edging top spot on countback as he defeated Kyle in heat 3. Joining them both on the rostrum was the exciting Eastbourne Eagle, Jason Edwards. Leicester fans will be very pleased with 3 Cubs riders qualifying for the final, Tom Spencer joining twin brothers Dan and Joe Thompson in progressing.

One of the pre-meeting contenders to qualify, “The Bear who never was” Joe Lawlor was forced to withdraw after 8 heats after suffering a wrist injury. Local lads Kyran Lyden and Alex Goldsborough both picked up a couple of points each as they continued their speedway education. Former Newcastle Gem Archie Freeman saw his chances of a run-off vanish after making a poor gate in heat 20 thus meaning he will be a reserve for the final. 

1. Danny Smith – 1, 0, 1, Fn WITHDRAWN = 2
2. Mickie Simpson – 0, 2, 1, 1, 2 = 6
3. Dan Thompson – 3, 2, 2, 3, 3 = 13 (Q)
4. Archie Freeman  – 2, 2, 3, 1, 1 = 9
5. Joe Lawlor – 2, 2 WITHDRAWN = 4
6. Sheldon Davies – 1, 1, 0, 0, 0 = 2
7. Kyran Lyden  – 0, 0, 1, Fx, 1 = 2
8. Joe Thompson – 3, 1, 1, 2, 3 = 10 (Q)
9. Kyle Bickley – 2, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 14 (Q)
10. Ben Trigger – 0, 3, 2, 2, 0 = 7
11. Jason Edwards – 1, 3, 3, 3, 3 = 13 (Q)
12. Daniel Gilkes – 3, 3, 3, 3, 2 = 14 (Q)
13. Gregor Millar – 1, 1, R, 0, 1 = 3
14. Mason Watson – 2, X, 0, 2, 2 = 6
15. Tom Spencer – 3, 1, 2, 2, 2 = 10 (Q)
16. Sam Woolley  – 0, 0, 2, 1, R = 3
17. Alex Goldsborough  – 0, 1, 0, 1, 0 = 2

The Redcar “Agilia” Bears play host tonight (19:30 start) to some of the country’s up and coming prospects in the British under 21 semi-final. The meeting was originally scheduled to be hosted at the home of Newcastle Speedway but the club are delighted to be hosting the rescheduled event and co-promoter Jamie Swales is looking forward to Thursday’s meeting, “What an exciting line-up of young talent we have on show in a meeting we never expected to be promoting. We were gutted for the lads when we heard about the original staging of the meeting getting cancelled at Newcastle, so when we saw we had a gap in our calendar this week it seemed only the right thing to do! It can be notoriously hard to draw a crowd for this type of event but we are hoping after the amazing racing our track has been producing recently, quite a few people will come and give the guys the support they deserve.” 

The first meeting was held at West Row, the home of the Mildenhall Fen Tigers and the meeting was won by a certain Jordan Jenkins, the Redcar Bears rising star who has had a tremendous start to the 2021 campaign. Jenkins went through the card at West Row with a majestic 15 point maximum. Other qualifiers included Alex Spooner and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn whilst Jordan Palin missed out. 

Thursday’s meeting has a 16 rider field which includes Berwick’s Kyle Bickley, Eastbourne’s Jason Edwards and Leicester’s Dan and Joe Thompson. Additionally, home fans will have the opportunity to cheer on Redcar Cub Kyran Lyden who gets the chance to impress after initially being a reserve at Mildenhall. Additionally, 6 riders will qualify for the final which will be held at a venue and a date which is still to be confirmed. 

Tickets are £14 for seniors, £11 for concessions and £1.50 for children and they can be purchased at the following link. 

British U21 Semi Final Tickets | Redcar Bears Speedway, Middlesbrough (eventgenius.co.uk)

16 rider field

1) Danny Smith

2) Mickie Simpson

3) Dan Thompson

4) Archie Freeman

5) Joe Lawlor

6) Sheldon Davies

7) Kyran Lyden

8 ) Joe Thompson

9) Kyle Bickley

10) Ben Trigger

11) Jason Edwards

12) Daniel Gilkes

13) Gregor Millar

14) Mason Watson

15) Tom Spencer

16) Sam Woolley

Reserves:

17) Alex Goldsbrough

18) Jack Shimelt