Category: Bears News

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our club’s most dedicated figures, Brian Havelock.

Brian was a former rider, team manager, promoter and owner of our club – very few, if any, have played a larger or more invaluable role in our club’s history.

Brian also had a successful and decorated speedway career spanning from 1972 to 1983, before team managing for Newcastle Diamonds and later for Redcar Bears.

His leadership, passion and countless hours of hard work helped guide our club through many important chapters both on and off track.

Bears Co-owner Ben Duffill commented, “I’m deeply saddened to receive the news of Brian’s passing today.

“I worked with Brian for several years as the Bears’ team manager and have been a close friend of the family for a long time.

“Brian was a huge character – the kind of person who always leaves an impression on you. I have lots of fond memories of our time together.

“This is a very sad day for our club. His legacy will remain a lasting part of our history.

“My thoughts go out to Gary and the family at this very difficult time”

We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to Brian’s family and friends.

Rest in peace Brian.

MIDDLESBROUGH recorded a much needed 45-44 last heat decider win over the Belle Vue Colts in their final WSRA National Development League match of the season. Charlie Southwick had a stunning home debut with paid 15 whilst William Cairns hit 14 for the Colts.

The meeting was a superb advert for third tier speedway in tough, wet conditions with all 13 riders an absolute credit to the sport. Today’s result leaves the Tigers 2nd bottom with Belle Vue needing to go to Leicester on Wednesday and win to avoid the wooden spoon.

Belle Vue started with a heat advantage as Cairns made the better gate to win over Ace Pijper, and with Jack Shimelt holding off Elliot Kelly, the Colts started in the ascendency.

Heat two saw Tigers guest Seth Norman emerge from bend two in the lead, but the 15 year old came down entering bend three, with the other three riders also coming down. Thankfully, all four rose to their feet with Norman excluded from the re-run.

The re-run saw Southwick pass Billy Budd for the win to ensure the Tigers did not fall further behind.

After Freddy Hodder (in as rider replacement) won a shared heat three, the Colts extended their advantage in heat four. Hodder made it back to back wins despite some pressure from Southwick, and with Budd 3rd after Tom Spencer fell in the early stages, the visitors had started the stronger.

Further trouble followed in heat five for the Tigers as Cairns won with ease, but with Middlesbrough guest Ryan Ingram breaking down whilst in 2nd, the visitors stretched their lead to eight points at the ECCO Arena.

Heat six saw Hodder lead Ace Pijper in the early stages, but with Kelly hitting the deck followed by Harry Fletcher, both were excluded leaving a match race. The re-run saw Hodder gate, but Pijper rode the boards to pass Hodder and clear off for a comfortable win which reduced the gap to seven points on home shale.

Heat seven saw the hosts hit back with a huge 5-1 as Spencer won, and with Norman impressing for 2nd, the “Heat Floors” Tigers were suddenly within three of the Colts.

After Hodder and Southwick won a pair of shared races, Middlesbrough hit the front for the first time as Ace Pijper won (despite nearly coming to grief on the final bend), and with Southwick impressing the home support with another superb ride to pass the more experienced Mason Watson for 2nd, the hosts had the momentum.

After Cairns continued his afternoon with another win to remain undefeated in a shared race, the Tigers extended their lead in heat 12 as Stene Pijper recorded a welcome win, and with Southwick again grabbing the headlines by making another pass to claim 2nd, the hosts were in control at 38-33 and eyeing the additional aggregate point.

Heat 13 saw a great battle for the heat win as Ace Pijper and William Cairns exchanged passes, with Cairns coming out on top, and with Hodder 3rd, the visitors were within five of Middlesbrough.

Heat 14 saw disaster strike for the hosts as Norman led, only to suffer mechanical issues which gifted the Colts a 5-1, and all of a sudden, they were within one of the Tigers.

The final race saw Middlesbrough needing a heat advantage to win. In somewhat of a shock, Spencer rounded Cairns on the opening bends, and with Hodder breaking down, Stene Pijper secured 3rd, handing the Tigers a win to sign off the 2025 campaign with Spencer the heat 15 hero.

Middlesbrough Tigers = 45 (88)

1. Ace Pijper = 10
2. Elliot Kelly = 0
3. Stene Pijper = 7+2
4. Ryan Ingram (G) = 4
5. Tom Spencer = 8
6. Seth Norman (G) = 3+2
7. Charlie Southwick = 13+2

Belle Vue Colts = 44 (90)

1. William Cairns = 14
2. Jack Shimelt = 5+1
3. Jack Kingston R/R
4. Mason Watson = 4+1
5. Freddy Hodder = 12
6. Harry Fletcher = 2+1
7. Billy Budd = 7+1

MIDDLESBROUGH chief Brian Turner has hailed the performances of the Tigers number one, Ace Pijper ahead of tomorrow’s basement battle as the “Heat Floors” Tigers take on the Belle Vue Colts in the basement battle with tapes up at 12pm at the ECCO Arena. 

The WSRA National League is the Tigers last meeting of the 2025 season with a four point win enough to avoid the wooden spoon. However, the Colts pose a big threat with Cab Direct Championship reserves William Cairns and Freddy Hodder leading the visitors. 

The exuberant Tigers chief was quick to praise the performances of the Tigers star this season. Turner said, “ Ace has been phenomenal for us this year, he started the season at number three and then at number five but he’s been at number one for a while now and he’s upped his average again.”

Despite battling at the wrong end of the table, Turner is keen to finish on a high. Turner said, “ We ran them close (losing 47-43 at the National Speedway Stadium) and that gives us hope so hopefully we can finish the season on a high with a home win.”

Tigers reserve Charlie Southwick makes his long awaited ECCO Arena debut and Turner is excited to see him in action on home shale. Turner explained, “ Charlie has been scoring points for Plymouth in the National Development Trophy. I know he has not rode as a Tiger at the ECCO Arena yet but it’s a nice track to ride so I don’t have any worries about that.”

The former rider turned team manager knows tomorrow’s meeting also gives the 13 riders on show an opportunity to put themselves to the forefront of club’s minds for 2026. Turner said, “ Tomorrow is a chance for the riders to put themselves into the shop window for next season, whether that be a spot in a higher league or getting a team berth back at this level.”

Middlesbrough are forced into two changes due to injury with Leicester’s Ryan Ingram covering for Jamie Halder whilst teenage starlet Seth Norman steps in for Kai Ward. Meanwhile, Belle Vue operate rider replacement for Jack Kingston with William Cairns at number one for the Colts. 

Middlesbrough “Heat Floors” Tigers powered by “STS” 

1. Ace Pijper (C) 9.88
2. Elliot Kelly 4.41
3. Stene Pijper 4.28
4. Ryan Ingram 5.67(G)
5. Tom Spencer 6.52
6. Seth Norman 3.00 (G)
7. Charlie Southwick 3.00
TM. Brian Turner

Belle Vue Colts

1. William Cairns 10.31
2. Jack Shimelt 3.45
3. Jack Kingston 4.42
4. Mason Watson 3.25
5. Freddy Hodder (c) 8.31
6. Harry Fletcher 3.00
7. Billy Budd 3.00

TM: Steve Williams/Graham Goodwin

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr hailed the performance of man of the match Jody Scott after the six man Bears overcame the odds to secure a memorable 89-91 aggregate win over Poole to secure the BSN Series title. 

An ecstatic Parr was delighted with the team’s performance, with Scott rightly taking the headlines. Parr said, “ Jody was absolutely immense today, he was brilliant and he had a blinder of a meeting.”

Parr admitted his side were the underdogs, but his Bears side “kept plugging away”. Parr explained, “ To come to Poole with only a two point lead, nobody expected us to get the win but we just kept plugging away, and on the night I think we were the better side and rider replacement got paid 11 so that choice paid dividends.”

Poole’s Tobias Thomsen started impressively to hold off Charles Wright for a heat one win, but with Richard Lawson suffering mechanical problems and running an extremely rare last place, Redcar’s two point aggregate lead was maintained. 

The reserves race saw Poole take a stranglehold on proceedings as they hit a 5-1 as Paul Starke won, and with William Cairns 2nd (despite Jody Scott’s best efforts), the treble chasers had a two point aggregate advantage. 

Poole’s advantage grew further in heat three as Zach Cook continued his blistering form with a win, and with Lewis Kerr 3rd, the Pirates were four ahead on aggregate. 

After Danny King took a commanding win in a shared heat four, the Bears hit back emphatically in heat five as Wright won, and with rider replacement Jason Edwards 2nd, the Bears were back level on aggregate. 

After Lawson returned to winning ways in a shared heat six, Redcar looked set to take the lead in heat seven as Jake Mulford and Jason Edwards led from the gate. However, Anders Rowe pushed Edwards out of the way exiting the 2nd bend, which allowed Paul Starke through for 3rd despite Edwards’ best efforts which saw another shared race at Wimborne Road. 

Heat eight saw a rare appearance for King as rider replacement, but he was 4th after lap one with Scott leading. However, it was heartbreak for Scott as he hit the fence and crashed, scuppering any hopes of a Bears heat advantage. Nevertheless, King passed Thomsen (after passing Cairns just before Scott came down) to win, ensuring the tie remained level. 

Poole hit the front in heat nine as Cook won, and with Kerr 3rd, Poole had a precious two point aggregate advantage.

Heat 10 saw a pivotal turning point of the meeting as Lawson and Thomsen looked set to take the Pirates lead to six as they were on a relatively comfortable 5-1 heading into the final bend of lap four. However, exiting bend four, Thomsen lifted and crashed awkwardly, gifting Redcar a shared race. 

After a delay whilst Thomsen was treated, Wright and Scott went either side of Rowe on the backstraight of lap one for a huge maximum to silence the home support and hand the “Agilia” Bears a two point advantage with four heats remaining. 

Heat 12 saw a superb race as Edwards gated but the drama was all behind him. Scott and Kerr exchanged numerous passes with Scott hitting the fence, only for the youngster to come back into 2nd, but Kerr held the faster wider line to take 2nd, limiting Redcar to a 4-2. Nevertheless, the Bears 4th heat advantage gave Redcar a four point aggregate lead. 

More drama followed in the next race as Wright gated, but Lawson tried to go underneath the Redcar skipper on the white line, colliding with Wright and sending him down, with King (on the outside line) unable to avoid Wright, both Bears were down. 

After Lawson was excluded, both Bears returned to their feet and struck a massive 5-1 to send Redcar into a 80-88 aggregate lead with two heats remaining. 

If the last two races didn’t have enough drama, more nerve shredding moments followed in heat 14. Cook led for the Pirates, but at the end of lap one, both Mulford and Scott were in 2nd and 3rd with Redcar three laps away from the trophy. 

However, Mulford went into the dirt and crashed heavily after losing both chains, meaning we had a re-run with man of the match Scott the lone Bear in the re-run. The re-run saw Cook win, but with Scott holding off Starke, the Redcar management, riders and fans could celebrate the club’s first major team trophy since 2019. 

The final heat saw Poole hit a 5-1 to level the meeting on the night, but nothing could take the smile off the Redcar faces as they secured a triumph that will live long in the memory. 

Poole Pirates = 45 (89)

1. Richard Lawson = 9

2. Tobias Thomsen = 5

3. Lewis Kerr = 4

4. Zach Cook © = 12+1

5. Anders Rowe = 6

6. Paul Starke = 5+1

7. Will Cairns = 5+3

Redcar Bears = 45 (91)

1. Charles Wright = 10+1

2. R/R for Erik Riss = 8+3

3. Jason Edwards = 9+1

4. Jake Mulford = 5+2

5. Danny King = 14

6. Jody Scott = 7+2

7. Ace Pijper = 0

8. Stene Pijper – DNR

REDCAR star Danny King believes that Saturday’s thrilling 46-44 BSN Series Final home win over the treble chasing Poole Pirates has given his side the confidence to finish the job and win the BSN Series title. The Bears travel to Dorset once again with tapes up at 7:30pm.

King, who boasts an impressive 8.76 average in 2025, was happy with his side’s display against the league champions. King said, “ It was a good performance from the side. It was important for our confidence to win and the performance shows that we deserve to be in these finals, but this time, we are aiming to come out with the gold medal instead of silver.”
The Brit was also happy with the performance of his compatriot Jake Mulford against the Pirates. King said, “ Jake is finishing the season really strongly, he had a bit of a dip mid-season when he probably took a little too much on but he’s come back well and he’s in good form.”

The former Pirate knows the importance of starting well if the Bears are to win the trophy. King said, “ We need to hit the ground running from the off, it’s really important that we get off to a good start.”

The 39-year-old is ready for any surface that is produced at Wimborne Road. King said, “ If the track is similar to how it was for Poole v Glasgow then it will be from the gate but with the weather forecast looking a little unsettled, that may help put some moisture into the track which will produce more material which suits me.”

Redcar are forced into using rider replacement at number two for Erik Riss with no suitable guest options available. Jake Mulford moves to number four for the “Agilia” Bears whilst Middlesbrough’s Stene Pijper is at number eight. 
Meanwhile, Poole, the reigning BSN Series champions are at full strength with their middle order pairing of Lewis Kerr and Zach Cook looking to continue their red-hot form. 

Fans who cannot attend the big BSN Series Final clash are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by BSN @ watch.britishspeedway.co.uk

Poole: 1 Richard Lawson, 2 Tobias Thomsen, 3 Lewi Kerr, 4 Zach Cook, 5 Anders Rowe, 6 Paul Starke, 7 William Cairns.

Redcar: 1 Charles Wright, 2 Erik Riss R/R, 3 Jason Edwards, 4 Jake Mulford, 5 Danny King, 6 Jody Scott, 7 Ace Pijper.

Due to the Agilia Bears racing for the BSN Series title at Poole tomorrow night which is being broadcast live on BSN, we have pushed back the Tigers vs Belle Vue match to Sunday afternoon at 12pm.

REDCAR signed off at the ECCO Arena in 2025 with a thrilling 46-44 win over the Poole Pirates in the BSN Series Final 1st leg. Both captains top scored for their respective sides as Charles Wright hit paid 13 for the Bears whilst Zach Cook struck 11 for the Pirates. 

The “Agilia” Bears began in scintillating fashion with a 5-1 as Jake Mulford led comfortably from the gate, and with Wright shrugging off the attentions of Richard Lawson, the ECCO Arena went wild after heat one. 

The treble chasing Pirates hit back in the reserves race as Will Cairns passed Jody Scott for the win, and with Paul Starke 3rd, Poole halved the early deficit. Heat three saw the Poole engine room turn the tables on their hosts as Cook won, and with Lewi Kerr 2nd, suddenly the Pirates had the lead on Teesside. 

Heat four saw Anders Rowe open his night with a convincing win, but with Danny King and Ace Pijper packing into 2nd and 3rd, Redcar remained in touch with the league champions. Jason Edwards recovered from his 4th place in his opening race to ride an intelligent race to beat Lawson, but with Leon Flint 4th, the hosts remained behind by two points. 

After a pair of shared races won by Rowe and King, the Bears hit the front with their 2nd maximum as Pijper recorded his first heat win, and with Mulford continuing his impressive night with a paid win (after initially gating and then having to pass Cairns), the “Agilia” Bears had a two point advantage. 

Heat nine saw the Bears support go potty as Flint won with ease, and with Edwards comfortable in 2nd, Redcar led 30-24 at the ECCO Arena. However, Poole aren’t the league champions for nothing and they hit back in heat 10 as Kerr won, but with Wright battling past Cook, Redcar limited the damage to a 4-2 which brought the Pirates within four of Redcar. 

Heat 11 saw King just about hold off the attentions of Lawson, but with Scott unable to battle past Thomsen despite his best efforts, Redcar’s lead was still sat at four points. 

Heat 12 saw Starke gate, and with Kerr diving underneath Edwards on bend three of the opening lap, Poole looked set to level. However, Edwards found his way past Starke and just held the important 2nd place on the run to the line, but an away heat advantage saw the Pirates get back within two points of the Bears. 

After a pair of shared races won by the potent Wright and the equally impressive Cook, we had a last heat decider on Teesside. The final race of an entertaining evening saw Wright win, but with Edwards 4th despite looking like he would pass both Pirates in the early stages, the Bears finished at home with a win, and a two point lead for Wednesday’s second leg. 

Redcar Bears = 46

1. Charles Wright = 12+1

2. Jake Mulford = 6+2

3. Jason Edwards = 7+1

4. Leon Flint (G) = 5+1

5. Danny King = 8

6. Jody Scott = 4

7. Ace Pijper = 4+1

Poole Pirates = 44

1. Richard Lawson = 7+2

2. Tobias Thomsen = 2+2

3. Lewis Kerr = 9+2

4. Zach Cook = 11

5. Anders Rowe = 8

6. Paul Starke = 3

7. Will Cairns = 4

REDCAR co-promoter Jamie Swales believes a free week from team racing could be “key” for his side in tonight’s BSN Series first leg against the Poole Pirates. Redcar’s second major team final of the season gets underway at 6pm at the ECCO Arena. 

The long standing co-promoter knows some of his side needed a rest ahead of todays first leg. 

Swales said, “ It was clear to see how tired Jason was last weekend and that is not normal for him. Jason has had a very intense time in both leagues so the rest has done him good. The rest has also been good for Danny as he rode five times last week so it was good for him to have a break.”

The former Workington Comet is happy for today’s visitors to have the tag of ‘favourites’. Swales explained, “ I’m happy for Poole to have the tag of favourites which puts the pressure on them.”

After the terrible crash against Glasgow which led to the heat 14 abandonment, Swales has revealed he is looking at safety changes, with the co-promoter hopeful the changes can be in place tonight. 

Swales explained, “ We don’t have to make any snap decisions as it was such a freak accident, the like of which hasn’t happened in 20 years at Redcar. We are working on a new safety measure but it may not be in place for this weekend.”

The former rider turned co-promoter has confirmed the supporters who were involved in the incident are looking forward to returning trackside. Swales said, “ I have been keeping in touch with the supporters in question and they are excited to return to the ECCO Arena tonight. The fans will also be enjoying the meeting in hospitality.”

The exuberant co-promoter is happy with the progress the club has made in 2025. 

Swales said, “ Apart from 2024 which actually wasn’t a ‘bad’ year, we are making progress each year. Poole and Glasgow operate on a different level financially to the rest of the league but we are really competing with them now which is a credit to the club. Other clubs now see us as a genuine threat and one day we are going to get over the line for a title and we aren’t going to give up until we do.”

Redcar bring in Leon Flint to deputise for Erik Riss whilst Jody Scott will be looking to continue his strong form after an impressive comeback for Redcar last week. Additionally, Jake Mulford will be looking to continue his strong end to 2025 after Redcar number two won Ipswich’s Tigers Academy Open meeting last night after going unbeaten across the night. 

Meanwhile, the Pirates are at full strength with Richard Lawson looking to continue his red-hot form at second tier level. 

Season ticket holders are reminded that this match is not covered by their season pass. However, season ticket holders do receive 10% off their admission to the match. 

Fans who cannot attend the final second tier match of 2025 are reminded that the meeting will be live streamed by BSN @ watch.britishspeedway.co.uk 

Redcar “Agilia” Bears

1 Charles Wright (C) 9.11

2 Jake Mulford 4.37

3 Jason Edwards 6.60

4 Leon Flint 7.12 (G)

5 Danny King 8.81

6 Jody Scott 3.92

7 Ace Pijper 4.14

™: Gavin Parr

Poole Pirates

1. Richard Lawson 9.83

2. ⁠Tobias Thomsen 4.81

3. Lewis Kerr 6.94

4. Zach Cook (C) 7.34

5. Anders Rowe 7.57

6. Paul Starke 4.13

7. William Cairns 3.91

TM. Gary Havelock

The Middlesbrough Heat Floors Tigers are heading to the Netherlands this Sunday, October 19th, for an exciting challenge match against Lelystad!

We were asked to send a strong side — and with several of our regular NDL riders unavailable for the trip, we’ve called on support from the Redcar Bears and our own management team to put together a competitive lineup.

Representing the Tigers will be:

Jason Edwards (Captain)

Jake Mulford

Ace Pijper

Jody Scott

Stene Pijper

Stuart Swales

Jade Mudgway

We wish the lads all the best as they fly the flag for Middlesbrough Speedway on international soil!

Stay tuned for updates and photos from what promises to be an unforgettable weekend!

Thank you to Theo Pijper and Brian Turner for putting in the work to get this match organised