|
LATEST NEWS ~ MARCH 2007
BEARS STUNNING
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Saturday 31st March 2007
Determined Redcar Bears pulled off a stunning 46-44 victory thanks to a nerve-shredding final heat decider last night at Edinburgh. Now boss Brian Havelock is backing his side to rack up their third win in as many days when they entertain Newcastle tonight. The Bears were behind from the first heat at Armadale but never allowed their hosts to feel comfortable and the furthest the Monarchs went ahead was six points. In the last third of the meeting there was a growing feeling that the Bears could snatch victory and, with their top four looking capable of beating anyone, so it proved.
They had looked set to go ahead for the first time when Gary Havelock and Mat Tresarrieu led the way out of the start and were on course for a 5-1 in heat 13. But the Frenchman was passed first by Ronnie Correy and later Matthew Wethers, on the line, after being hit by clutch problems. However Chris Kerr kept the dream alive by winning the penultimate heat, leaving Edinburgh's lead hanging by a thread at 43-41 going into a dramatic nominated riders' race. When the tapes went up for the last time, Gary Havelock and James Grieves shot out of the gate and stayed there to record a match-winning 5-1 over Ronnie Correy and William Lawson. It was a fitting end to a stunning night by Grieves who went unbeaten by an opponent, while Havelock himself only dropped one point.
"I am over the moon - that was a cracking finish," said manager Brian Havelock. "We looked as though we could nick it with three heats to go although, really we should have been ahead earlier but for some problems. I'd said before the meeting that a draw would be nice and that a win would be a bonus because they have been going quite well." Havelock had particular praise for winter signing Grieves who looked immaculate from the word go. "He was superb," said Havelock. "From his first ride he looked really good. He told me it was one of his best tracks and it showed. He's a lovely lad to deal with."
The Bears' win was all the more remarkable for the fact that the two reserves recorded only one point between them. Rusty Hodgson - who collected that point - had never ridden the Armadale track before while Jamie Courtney was well off the pace and finished only one race at a track where he broke his leg in a frightening fall two seasons ago. "Rusty had never seen the place before," said Havelock, "while Jamie had a bad crash here two years ago and I think that was at the back of his mind. He said there was nothing wrong with the bike so I'll put it down to that."
Now the Bears take a break from Premier Trophy action and turn their attention to beating derby rivals Newcastle in tonight's challenge match at South Tees Motorsports Park (6.30pm start). The Diamonds beat them by 16 points on Tyneside last Sunday - but Havelock believes his men can overturn that deficit this evening. "It's a big ask to pull back 16 points," said Havelock, "but, after Thursday's performance against Berwick when we had 23 points in hand, and our win at Edinburgh, I think we can do it. We're also back on our home track within two nights, so our lads will be fresh for the job."
EDINBURGH: Ronnie Correy 11, Henrik Moller 6+1, Matthew Wethers 6+1, Derek Sneddon 6, Andrew Tully 5+2, William Lawson 5+1, Daniele Tessari 5+1.
REDCAR: James Grieves 14+1, Gary Havelock 14, Mat Tresarrieu 8, Chris Kerr 6+1, Dan Giffard 4, Rusty Hodgson 1, Jamie Courtney 0.
ROARING BACK
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Friday 30th March 2007
Back on track - Redcar Bears put memories of their two away defeats firmly behind them last night to inflict a heavy 58-35 defeat on Berwick Bandits. It was the perfect start to their Premier Trophy campaign and they will be looking to continue that form at Edinburgh this evening.
It was an excellent all-round team performance by the Bears, for whom every rider won at least once. Boss Brian Havelock had talked earlier this month of getting some good home performances on the board to strike fear into the hearts of their visitors - and they certainly did that last night at South Tees Motorsports Park.
Mat Tresarrieu clearly benefited from a midweek meeting with boss Brian Havelock, in the wake of his dismal night at Newcastle on Sunday. He was beaten only once by an opponent in five rides - and that was in the nominated riders' race. Jamie Courtney also looked far more comfortable. His seven-point total would surely have been more but for not one but two jump starts in heat 11. Gary Havelock and Chris Kerr maintained their impressive early season form, while James Grieves was unbeaten by an opponent in every race he finished - a puncture in heat five denying him the chance of a paid maximum.
Dan Giffard admitted that he was "sore" after riding with a hairline fracture of the coccyx, while young Josh Auty had a stunning debut at reserve. The youngster looked stylish, determined, and every bit a champion in the making. He went through the tapes at the start of heat four but quickly made up ground and was so close to picking up a point.
"We've got back on track," said team boss Havelock whose team were in control from the moment Courtney and Auty scored a second race 5-1 - the first of seven maximum heat advantages by the Bears. "Obviously the problems we had in our two away meetings have been ironed out and I am pleased with the result. Everybody knuckled in - we had a couple of problems with tyres but we'll have to get over the regulations a different way. Josh looked sharp and showed he's got plenty of bottle, while Matty came more prepared and had a cracking meeting."
Rusty Hodgson is restored to the team at Edinburgh tonight under the Bears' early season reserve rotation policy. And although getting a win against a strong-looking Monarchs side will be a tall order, Havelock is hopeful of a good result - especially as winter signing Grieves is known as something of an Armadale track expert. "Rusty has never been to the place before," Havelock said, "but the rest of our lads have. It's usually a reasonably well prepared track and we should have a good meeting. Kevin Little used to know his way around the place and James has taken his place, so I'm glad to hear he usually goes well there. Edinburgh look fairly strong this year and have proved that with a couple of decent scores, so we'll be looking to run them as close as we can."
Bears: Gary Havelock 12+2, Mat Tresarrieu 12+1, Chris Kerr 8+2, James Grieves 8+1, Josh Auty 7+1, Jamie Courtney 7, Dan Giffard 4+1.
Bandits: Andreas Bergstrom 10+3, Michal Makovsky 7, Stanislaw Burza 7, Michael Coles 5, Jacek Rempala 3, Jon Branney 2+1, Benji Compton 1.
Teams at Edinburgh tonight:
Bears: 1 Gary Havelock, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Chris Kerr, 5 Mat Tresarrieu, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
Monarchs: 1 Ronnie Correy, 2 Henrik Moller, 3 William Lawson, 4 Daniele Tessari, 5 Matthew Wethers, 6 Derek Sneddon, 7 Andrew Tully.
# Premier League legend and former Grand Prix star Carl Stonehewer will come out of retirement for one night only to ride in Kevin Little's benefit meeting at STMP next Thursday.
DAN WINS BATTLE
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Thursday 29th March 2007
Reigning rider of the year Dan Giffard has won his fight to be fit for Redcar Bears' Premier Trophy opener tonight. The 22-year-old second string suffered a hairline fracture of the coccyx in the Bears' challenge match at Rye House and had two sessions of laser treatment yesterday in a bid to be passed fit for this evening's home clash with Berwick Bandits (7.30pm start).
The news was greeted warmly by team manager Brian Havelock, who said: "Dan had his two sessions yesterday and felt a lot better last night - he's going to ride. "It's great news for us because we missed him at Newcastle on Sunday. We only got two points from rider replacement in his absence there and that's shocking."
Further down the order, teenager Josh Auty makes his eagerly-awaited Premier League debut in place of Rusty Hodgson against the Bandits. The 16-year-old Great Britain Under-21 international is a tremendous prospect, but must initially be used sparingly as he is studying for his GCSEs. "I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes," said Havelock. He hasn't ridden on our track yet this season, but he scored 14+1 for Scunthorpe last weekend. It's a bit tough on Rusty, though, because he has been going well."
The initial arrangement was that Hodgson and Auty would share the No 7 jacket until the youngster had completed his exams in June. But Havelock has revealed that winter signing Jamie Courtney could be the rider to make way in future after two disappointing performances. "If it means leaving Jamie out of the side for a couple of weeks, then so be it," he said. "It might make him sit up and think 'I've come here but I'm not getting my team place'."
Havelock also revealed he'd had a "head to head" chat with Mat Tresarrieu this week following the Frenchman's nightmare meeting at Newcastle on Sunday. He's expecting better of him tonight - and he's also predicting a first win of the season for the Bears who have so far been beaten in challenge matches at Rye House and Newcastle. "I know that I said we'd win at Newcastle and we lost, but I can see us winning tonight," said Havelock. "They're not good travellers and I wouldn't expect them to go well on a track like ours."
BEARS: 1 Gary Havelock, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Chris Kerr, 5, Mat Tresarrieu, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Josh Auty.
BANDITS: 1 Michal Makovsky, 2 Andreas Bergstrom, 3 Jacek Rempala, 4 Michael Coles, 5 Stanislaw Burza, 6 Benji Compton, 7 John Branney.
BUSY TIME FOR THE BEARS
The Redcar Bears will race three fixtures in 3 days this week
On Thursday they are at home to the Berwick Bandits in their first Premier Trophy fixture of the season at 7.30pm. On Friday they travel to Scotland to take on the Edinburgh Monarchs in the same competition. The team are then back at the South Tees Motorsport Park on Saturday evening at 6.30pm when they stage what is now the second leg of a challenge with derby rivals the Newcastle Diamonds. All children will be admitted free for this fixture.
The Berwick team is both cosmopolitan and solid. Czech Republic international Michal Makovsky skippers a septet which includes experienced Polish rider Jacek Rempala and his younger compatriot Stanislaw Burza plus rising Swedish star Andreas Bergstrom. An interesting addition to the ranks in the borders this season is the highly respected veteran Michael Coles who started his British speedway career in 1982 .
For the Bears a lot of attention will focus on the debut of 16-year-old Josh Auty at second reserve as part of a rotation scheme with Rusty Hodgson. Auty is rightly regarded as a future home-grown prospect. Team manager Brian Havelock is meanwhile waiting on a fitness report on Daniel Giffard who missed Sunday's encounter at Newcastle with a bruised coccyx following a pile-up at Rye House on March 17th.
BEARS: 1. Gary Havelock (C) 2. Daniel Giffard 3. James Grieves 4. Chris Kerr 5. Mathieu Tresarrieu 6. Jamie Courtney 7. Josh Auty
BANDITS: 1. Michael Makovsky (C) 2. Andreas Bergstrom 3. Jacek Rempala 4. Michael Coles 5. Stanislaw Burza 6. Benji Compton 7. John Branney
For the Bears' second home match of the week on Saturday evening - the team and fans face the exciting task of pulling back a 16-point deficit from the outing at Brough Park. The Diamonds were victors by 53 points to 37. Gary Havelock and Chris Kerr were again in the thick of the battle with the opposition and the young American has certainly started the season in the good form that he finished season 2006. Gary , as ever, leads from the front in every sense of the word.
BEARS: 1. Gary Havelock (C) 2. Daniel Giffard 3. James Grieves 4. Chris Kerr 5. Mathieu Tresarrieu 6. Jamie Courtney 7. Rusty Hodgson
DIAMONDS: 1. Josef Franc 2. Ross Brady 3. Jonas Raun 4. Carl Wilkinson 5. Christian Henry (C) 6. Ashley Johnson 7. Sean Stoddart
Please note that reports of all home and away matches may be found on the club hotline on 09068 664 665 after racing.
BEARS SUFFER A DRUBBING
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Monday 26th March 2007
They'd gone there expecting to win, but Redcar Bears left Newcastle on the end of a 53-37 defeat last night. Boss Brian Havelock had openly talked up his side's chances of victory but, although the lead swapped hands regularly in the early stages, the Diamonds pulled away towards the end. It's true the Bears took a blow before a wheel had even been turned when 2006 rider of the year Dan Giffard was ruled out by injury. He had discovered the previous afternoon that he had suffered a hairline fracture of the coccyx in his crash at Rye House the previous weekend. He was ordered to rest for a week, although he could yet ride in Thursday's Premier Trophy opener against Berwick.
There was more bad luck when James Grieves suffered a puncture after making a good start in heat 12 and Chris Kerr was controversially excluded by referee Peter Clarke in heat 14. The race was stopped when Chris Wilkinson went down as he tried to go round Kerr when, in fact, it appeared the American did nothing at all to push him off. But despite those instances of misfortune there was no disguising the fact that Newcastle - for whom reserve Sean Stoddart recorded an impressive five-ride paid maximum - were the better side and deserved to win.
Gary Havelock won four of his five outings - his only dropped points coming while on a tactical double in heat 13 when Christian Henry and Josef Franc got the drop on him and stayed there. Kerr was impressive, too, and went unbeaten by an opponent in his first three rides - but no other Bears rider looked like taking the chequered flag.
Mat Tresarrieu was the biggest disappointment, falling in his first two rides when well off the pace and collecting a paltry one point from his five outings. Manager Havelock was not impressed and said: "His preparation is terrible. He's got two bikes and he's arrived with one. I asked him where the other one was and he said it wasn't ready. Why not? He doesn't have another job - I used to work and still get my bikes ready. I'm disappointed. There's no reason why we shouldn't have won - we led them but we couldn't capitalise on it. We need to address one or two problems we've got with machinery. We're going to get the lads together and have a chat so we can get things right."
One of the few other bright spots on a disappointing night for the Bears was the continued improvement of reserve Rusty Hodgson. The former road racer still has a long way to go but is confounding the critics who questioned the decision to give him a place in the team. He makes way for Josh Auty against Berwick on Thursday but returns at Edinburgh the following night.
DIAMONDS: Sean Stoddart 12+3, Josef Franc 11+2, Christian Henry 9, Jonas Raun 9, Ross Brady 7+1, Carl Wilkinson 2+1, Ashley Johnson 1+1.
BEARS: Gary Havelock 13, Chris Kerr 10+2, James Grieves 5+1, Rusty Hodgson 5, Jamie Courtney 3+1, Mat Tresarrieu 1, Dan Giffard R/R.
THE postponed home leg of the Bears' early season challenge against Newcastle has been rescheduled for this Saturday (6.30pm start), with children admitted free.
DAN'S BACK
By Tim Helm ~ Sunday 25th March 2007
Dan Giffard unfortunately had to miss Redcars away defeat at Newcastle today as a result of last weekends crash at Rye House. Dan commented "I was all set to ride on Thursday and was north of Peterborough when I received the call to tell me the meeting was off. I have had problems sitting all week and have been finding it much more comfortable standing or walking."
With the bruising, swelling and pain to his lower back getting worse Dan went to seek medical advice where it was diagnosed as a hairline fracture of his coccyx after over five hours in the hospital. Dan continued "I have been given plenty of medication and am aiming to be back racing for the Bears on Thursday if all goes to plan.
Yesterday I couldn't even sit on my bike so rather than let my team mates, the supporters and management down I decided it was best for all for me to sit this meeting out. The medical staff advised me not to ride, it's a case of being sensible and not risking further injury to myself or anyone else I would be racing with or against, rest assured as soon as I can sit on a bike I'll be back racing."
WE CAN DO IT AGAIN
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Saturday 24th March 2007
We won there last October and we can do it again tomorrow! That's the battlecry from boss Brian Havelock as he prepares to take his Redcar Bears team to Newcastle tomorrow for their second challenge match of the new season (6.30pm). The Bears won 49-41 at Brough Park - since renamed Newcastle Stadium - to complete a home and away double and lift the Tyne Tees Trophy in their last meeting of 2006. Now Havelock is eyeing more of the same.
"We went there and won last year," he said, "and I can't see why we can't do it again tomorrow. In fact it would be a bit of a disaster if we don't , because we're going there with a stronger team this time."
The fixture gives former Diamonds skipper James Grieves an early opportunity to visit his old stamping ground, and Havelock expects him to play a key role. Grieves managed only four (paid five) on his debut at Rye House a week ago, but Havelock said: "He picked up towards the end. "Rye House is a tight track and he's not in love with the place. I'd expect him to go to Newcastle with a lot more intent. He'll have a point to prove and he could be our trump card tomorrow."
The Diamonds have lost their only match so far - 47-42 at home to Workington last Sunday - when their top scorer was guest George Stancl. The Czech was drafted in as a replacement for new signing Jonas Raun who was riding for Denmark Under-21s on the same day. Raun clearly has tremendous potential but remains untried over here - yet speedway's regulations mean he arrives with a whopping eight-point assessed average.
It's a situation Bears fans sympathise with - because that's what happened with Chris Kerr last year. Great things are expected of the American and he is a crowd favourite - yet the fact he begins this season with an average of 4.53 says it all.
The Diamonds also suffered an early season injury blow after Adam McKinna broke both wrists in a crash last Sunday. He is replaced by Teessider Ashley Johnson. "It's a shame for the lad," said Havelock, "and it affects us too because he's in the Cleveland Bays squad as well."
DIAMONDS: 1 Josef Franc, 2 Ross Brady, 3 Jonas Raun, 4 Carl Wilkinson, 5 Christian Henry, 6 Ashley Johnson, 7 Sean Stoddart.
BEARS: 1 Gary Havelock, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Chris Kerr, 5 Mat Tresarrieu, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
FLYING START
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Thursday 22nd March 2007
It's only a challenge match but boss Brian Havelock will show no mercy when his Redcar Bears side take on Newcastle Diamonds at South Tees Motorsports Park tonight (7.30pm start). It's the Bears' first home meeting of the season and Havelock has impressed upon them the need to make a flying start to the campaign.
He has already revealed his target is a top-three finish in the Premier League and says a strong start to the season can strike fear into the hearts of the Bears' rivals. "I want to nail them to the floor - that's the answer," said Havelock as he prepared for the Diamonds' visit. "You've got to impress early doors because then you get people frightened of you when they visit. Last year we were a new side and teams were thinking that we'd be no problem when they came to ride here. We proved them wrong on the track but, this year, if we start off really hungry and get some big scores, other teams will be full of trepidation when they visit - and that can get you five or six points a match."
Havelock's men went down 53-39 at Rye House in their opening challenge match of the year on Saturday. That was nevertheless no disgrace against a Rockets team who are likely to feature strongly in the Premier League title race this season. And Havelock says that simply getting back on the track again after the close season will have been a useful exercise. "Even tapes down and lights on gets you going," he said. "A practice session is all right but it's not the true thing - it's not a race. You don't build up your momentum from the gate in a practice session so it was a good outing for us."
Also looking forward to this evening's match is winter capture James Grieves, who joined the Bears after two years with Newcastle. With the return leg of tonight's early-season challenge taking place on Tyneside this Sunday, Scotland's No 1 gets not one but two early opportunities to show his former employers what they are missing. "When you ride against your old club you're always expected to do well and you're expecting yourself to do well," he said. "Sometimes you can put a bit too much pressure on yourself and that can work against you. But I won't think about it - I'll just go out and do my best and not worry about anything else. Because I'd had such a great year for Newcastle in 2005 I think I put too much pressure on myself last season to go back and do it again.
But I had a lot of family problems. A member of my family was ill and I didn't really have the heart to do it last season. To tell the truth, I was thinking about just putting the bike in the garage and walking away. But I kept going and kept going and when Chris van Straaten came along and asked me to join I was delighted. I've just had a wee baby boy as well so my life has totally changed now. "I'm happy again and hopefully that will reflect in my racing."
The Diamonds go into tonight's match on the back of a 47-42 home defeat by Workington in their only challenge match to date. They have been forced to draft in Teessider Ashley Johnson at reserve after Adam McKinna - also due to double up with the Cleveland Bays this term - broke a scaphoid in a crash in his opening ride. Jonas Raun makes a belated debut after racing for Denmark Under-21s against Great Britain Under-21s at Oxford last Sunday.
BEARS: 1 Gary Havelock, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Chris Kerr, 5 Mat Tresarrieu, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
DIAMONDS: 1 Josef Franc, 2 Ross Brady, 3 Jonas Raun, 4 Carl Wilkinson, 5 Christian Henry, 6 Ashley Johnson, 7 Sean Stoddart.
5-4-3-2-1 READY TO ROAR
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette - Wednesday 21st March 2007
A new season of speedway roars into life at South Tees Motorsports Park tomorrow when Redcar Bears stage their first home meeting of the year. In an exclusive Gazette preview, speedway writer Martin Neal looks ahead to the coming campaign and takes a look at the riders who'll be lining up for the Bears as well as the teams they'll be facing. We're raring to go - that's the message from the Redcar Bears as they prepare for their first home match of the new season tomorrow.
The re-launch of speedway on Teesside after a ten-year break was a big success in 2006, and this season team boss Brian Havelock has his sights set on doing even better. South Tees Motorsports Park opens its doors for the first time this season tomorrow when Newcastle Diamonds visit for a challenge match.
The Bears beat their North-east rivals at home and away late last term to win the Tyne-Tees Trophy and they also went on to reach the Premier League play-offs. This year the play-offs will be open to just the top four finishers at the end of the regular league season, but Havelock believes his side can be in there fighting for the title come October.
"I'm going to put my neck on the block and say we are going for a top three finish," said a confident Havelock. "I think we are strong enough. There are some good teams about - I've looked at their strength in depth and I think that, although we've got something like the second lowest combined average, the improvement we are capable of will pull us up to something like 46 or 47 points a match."
The basis of last year's team remains in place for the coming campaign, with inspirational skipper Gary Havelock, rider of the year Dan Giffard, Mat Tresarrieu and Chris Kerr all back for more while Kevin Little has retired, Jack Hargreaves has returned to Stoke and Tomas Suchanek has joined Somerset.
"I've got a buzz this time," revealed Havelock as he looked at this year's line-up. "We've got two heat leaders at long last. We were thrown together at short notice last year but this season we've had more time to put the team together and I'm quite excited. It looks a good team and I think we could have four heat leaders, because as well as Gary and new signing James Grieves, we've got Matty and Chris and I think they could put two or three points on their average. James will improve because he had a poor season last year and I think Gary can improve too. Away from home I only had one heat leader last season so I had nothing to work with. If the team was going bad I only had Gary to shove in and get some points, but having James as well gives me a lot more scope."
Kerr and Tresarrieu will both have benefited from getting their first season of British action under their belts and both were going great guns in the latter part of last season. Last term Californian newcomer Kerr was brought in on an unrealistic eight-point assessed average and Havelock said: "That was too high, but those are the rules and that's the way it goes. But he's on an average of 4.6 this season and I can see him putting three points on that, easy."
It's all change at the bottom end too, with Jamie Courtney arriving on loan from Rye House to fill the No 6 berth and the other reserve position being shared by Rusty Hodgson and 16-year-old Josh Auty, whose appearances will be limited until he has completed his GCSEs in June. "I'm quite excited about the reserves as well," said Havelock. "Rusty has been looking good in his practice session here and he's been looking good as Scunthorpe too, I understand. But he'll have to make his mark because Josh is waiting in the wings. We're going to take the one who's going best - whoever does that will stay in the team."
Havelock also believes that his side's home performances could be helped by the addition of a kerb which he personally worked on installing on the inside of the South Tees Motorsports Park track. "We've got a standard inside line now," he said. "The lads complained last year that the line was varied, and it was to some extent. Sometimes it was in tight and sometimes it was out wide. The visiting riders rode it for what it was but our own riders had learn the different line every week, and it was throwing us a bit."
This year's Bears team has a potentially strong all-round look to it, though Captain Marvel Havvy will again undoubtedly be the main driving force. The 1992 world champion was the star attraction wherever he went and only Somerset's Magnus Zetterstrom finished last season with a higher average - but he's determined to achieve even more this year. "I'm really looking forward to the start of the season," said the former England skipper. "Last season I had a great season, and the team did too, but I feel there is a lot of room for improvement. I've spent a lot of money on new equipment for this season and I'm all ready to go. The one thing I probably did wrong last year was to underestimate the level of equipment I needed for the Premier League. At the start of the season my stuff was all right but, as the season wore on, it started to show its age, if you like. In a couple of meetings, like the Premier League Riders' Championship, everything went wrong and I felt I'd let myself and the fans down. So I'm fully prepared this time with new bikes and I'm raring to go!"
FACES BEHIND THE MASKS OF REDCAR’S TALENTED TEAM
Gary Havelock
DOB: 4.11.68
Former world champion and England skipper, Havvy proved an inspirational skipper last year and has promised there's more to come in 2007. A priceless member of the team.
Dan Giffard
DOB: 10.11.84
A revelation at reserve last year, the exciting young Bears Rider of the Year is looking to continue his progress in the main body of the team. He's set his sights on a heat leader berth.
Mat Tresarrieu
DOB: 2.3.86
Spectacular Frenchman who became firm fans' favourite as the 2006 season wore on. Will be a key member of the team.
Chris Kerr
DOB: 28.6.84
Popular Californian took time to adapt in his debut year of British racing but grew in confidence. Beating Havvy from the back in the South Tees Silver Helmet was a warning to his rivals.
James Grieves
DOB: 24.9.74
Didn't have the best of seasons at Newcastle in 2006, but Scotland's No 1 is confident of better this year. Did the league and KO Cup double at Wolves in 1996.
Jamie Courtney
DOB: 22.4.88
Teenage son of former Boro Bear Mark Courtney. Great things are expected of this young Rye House loanee who was in flying form until injury ended his 2006 season in May.
Rusty Hodgson
DOB: 29.3.81
A big year for the former road racer who will share the No 7 berth on the back of some eye-catching performances for the Cleveland Bays. Dad Russ and grandad Frank also rode.
Josh Auty
DOB: 9.9.90
One of the hottest prospects in British speedway. Won't be a regular for a while as he's sitting 11 GCSE exams in June - but is expected to continue his stunning progress.
HOW THE RACING RIVALS STACKUP
BERWICK BANDITS:
Improve on a disappointing season but may find that a tall order. Main dangerman: Michal Makovsky. Prediction: Mid-table at best.
BIRMINGHAM BRUMMIES:
Back after a 23-year absence and with a useful looking team. Main dangerman: Jason Lyons. Prediction: May take time to settle, as the Bears did in their first season, but likely to challenge for the PL title.
EDINBURGH MONARCHS:
The arrival of veteran American Ronnie Correy could be the boost they need. Main dangerman: Ronnie Correy. Prediction: Mid-table.
GLASGOW TIGERS:
A strong and experienced side with strength in depth. Main dangerman: Shane Parker. Prediction: Possible champions.
ISLE OF WIGHT ISLANDERS:
Surprised many by reaching the play-offs in 2006 - expect a similar season in 2007. Main dangerman: Chris Holder. Prediction: In the Jack Young Shield.
KING'S LYNN STARS:
Champions have been weakened by the departure of Kevin Doolan, but still an awesome unit. Main dangerman: Tomas Topinka. Prediction: Won't give up their title without a fight.
MILDENHALL FEN TIGERS:
Struggled last year and are likely to this year too, despite team and management changes. Main dangerman: Kyle Legault. Prediction: In the lower reaches.
NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS:
Failed to live up to expectations last year and go into 2007 with the youngest side in their history. Main dangerman: Josef Franc Prediction: Unlikely to reach the Jack Young Shield.
NEWPORT WASPS:
Basement boys last year - despite a shock win at South Tees Motorsports Park - and it doesn't look much better this season. Main dangerman: Phil Morris. Prediction: At the bottom again.
RYE HOUSE ROCKETS:
Champions in 2005, they've assembled a good squad for 2007. Their two young reserves could be the trump cards. Main dangerman: Chris Neath. Prediction: There or thereabouts.
SHEFFIELD TIGERS:
Second only to King's Lynn last term, their home track advantage will help them again this time. Main dangerman: Andre Compton Prediction: In the play-offs.
SOMERSET REBELS:
Have the potential to improve on last season's fifth-place finish - but will need former Bear Tomas Suchanek to show some consistency. Main dangerman: Magnus Zetterstrom. Prediction: Pushing for the play-offs.
STOKE POTTERS:
Another season of mediocrity in the offing. Main dangerman: Robbie Kessler. Prediction: Mid-table.
WORKINGTON COMETS:
Unspectacular last year - likely to be the same in 2007. Main dangerman: Kauko Nieminen. Prediction: Mid-table.
DOUBLE DIAMONDS ALL ROUND
By Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 19th March 2007
The speedway season on Teesside swings back into action this Thursday evening from 7.30pm at the South Tees Motorsport Park, off South Bank Road in Middlesbrough when the Redcar Bears face the Newcastle Diamonds in the first leg of a derby challenge with plenty of North East pride at stake. The second leg takes place at Brough Park, Newcastle on the following Sunday evening March 25th.
The Diamonds are confident of a more competitive season in 2007 and have made some major changes to the balance of their squad. Skipper Christian Henry stated: 'I think we might surprise a few people judging by what I have seen of the rest of the boys. We have all got the potential to increase our averages this year and our young Dane, Jonas Raun, who has to start on an assessed eight-point figure, might not be far away from achieving it once he settles in.' Promoter George English added: 'I'm really looking forward to working with these guys. There's a huge amount of talent and we are going places.'
Bears team boss Brian Havelock was quick to counter: 'I've been calculating what potential improvement there is in our squad and it is possible with everybody - even our captain and number one Gary Havelock who has further upgraded his equipment and will be visiting quite a few Premier League tracks for the second time in 2007. New signing and recent Diamonds skipper James Grieves underperformed by his high standards in 2006 whilst the rest of the team are quite young and there is only one way their careers are heading and that is upwards and onwards. For instance, Chris Kerr and Matthieu Tresarrieu showed what they were capable of as the season reached its climax and can't wait to build on that positive platform. Meanwhile Daniel Giffard was voted as '2006 Bear of the Year' and relishing the opportunity of moving up into the main body of the team'
It is also a significant moment in the history of the sport on Teesside with the introduction of two young reserves whose fathers were outstanding Bears of the past. Number six Jamie Courtney is the son of former England international Mark Courtney whilst number seven Rusty Hodgson is the son of former heat leader Russ Hodgson and also the grandson of Bears post-war club captain Frank Hodgson.
REDCAR BEARS:
1. Gary Havelock (Captain) 2. Daniel Giffard 3. James Grieves 4. Chris Kerr 5. Mathieu Tresarrieu 6. Jamie Courtney 7. Rusty Hodgson
NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS:
1. Josef Franc 2. Ross Brady 3. Jonas Raun 4. Carl Wilkinson 5. Christian Henry (Captain) 6. Ashley Johnson 7. Sean Stoddart
Match details and scorers after each and every match on the club hotline:
09068 664 665
HAVELOCK SATISFIED
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Monday 19th March 2007
Quite satisfied - that was manager Brian Havelock's verdict despite Redcar Bears' 53-39 defeat in their first meeting of the season at Rye House on Saturday. Havelock's side looked understandably rusty early on at Hoddesdon but became more of a force as the meeting wore on and skipper Gary Havelock denied home No 1 Chris Neath a 15-point maximum by winning the final race.
As expected the Rockets' trump cards were at reserve where debutant Tai Woffinden scored a paid maximum and Adam Roynon looked impressive too as he roared to a paid 11 total. In contrast Bears No 6 Jamie Courtney struggled to make an impact against his parent club in his first match since breaking his back riding for the Rockets at the Isle of Wight last May, while No 7 Rusty Hodgson blew one engine and stopped using another before it suffered the same fate.
"We made a quiet start and had six last places in the first eight races," reflected team boss Havelock, "but all in all I'm quite satisfied. It was our first meeting of the season and we were bound to be a bit rusty. But if we'd scored seven more points we would have won - it was that close. Their reserves flew but Tai Woffinden had been racing in Australia all winter, while it was their No 1 Chris Neath's third meeting on the trot. Once you've got a few meetings under your belt it boosts your confidence.
For us I felt Dan Giffard and Jamie Courtney looked nervous - I think Jamie was trying too hard - and James Grieves looked a bit rusty. But we didn't expect too much and I'm generally quite happy. They've got three riders with averages of seven-and-a-half points which means you can expect them to score more than that at home. Rusty rode well and he might have scored even more points but he blew one engine on the line and lost compression in another so Gary told him not to use it any more and we took him out of his last ride."
Mat Tresarrieu - who looked impressive and, along with Chris Kerr gave solid support to the skipper - emerged unscathed from a heavy fall while Giffard was thankfully unhurt after an even more alarming spill.
Tresarrieu was left spitting feathers after being knocked off by Steve Boxall in heat nine, though the home rider was rightly excluded for causing the stoppage. "He was in a bit of a temper with him," said Havelock, "but it didn't come to anything. He was a bit angry about it because his bike was a bit bent."
Giffard needed attention from the medical team after taking a bang to the head in a crash caused by Stuart Robson two races later. As well as hurting his head he was in pain from his lower back but bravely went out and partnered Gary Havelock to a 5-1 in the re-run after passing Roynon.
ROCKETS: Chris Neath 14, Tai Woffinden 10+2, Adam Roynon 10+1, Steve Boxall 9, Tommy Allen 6, Luke Bowen 3+1, Stuart Robson 1.
BEARS: Gary Havelock 11, Chris Kerr 9+1, Mat Tresarrieu 9, James Grieves 4+1, Dan Giffard 3+1, Rusty Hodgson 2+1, Jamie Courtney 1.
GARY HAVELOCK rides in this evening's Peter Craven Memorial Trophy individual meeting at Belle Vue. All the Aces team are in a line-up which also includes Chris Harris, Andreas Jonsson and Shane Parker among others
READY TO ROAR
By Martin Neal - Evening Gazette ~ Saturday 17th March 2007
Redcar Bears get their season up and running tonight with a trip to Rye House - and new signing Jamie Courtney aims to make sure they have a sting in their tail. The teenage protege of skipper Gary Havelock is one of three new faces in the Bears line-up for 2007, along with Scotland's No 1 James Grieves and the emerging Rusty Hodgson.
After reaching the Premier League play-offs last year, the Bears have high hopes of an even more successful season this time around and there was an undeniable buzz about South Tees Motorsports Park at this week's press and practice day.
Courtney was there in a Bears race jacket for the first time after joining on loan from this evening's hosts and he is looking forward to getting off to a flying start with his new club. "I'm not going there with a point to prove," he insisted, "but I'm looking forward to my first meeting for the Bears. I've got a bike that is set up especially for Rye House, so hopefully I can score a few points."
It will be Courtney's first meeting since breaking his back in a frightening fall at the Isle of Wight last May. But he's made a complete recovery and is feeling no effects of the crash now.
"I'm back to full fitness now," he declared. "There are no problems."
Bears captain Havelock has taken a keen interest in Courtney's career, effectively acting as his personal manager and mentor.
Now the new arrival is delighted to be riding in the same team as him and believes he can help him develop further. "If it wasn't for Gary, I wouldn't have the speedway career that I do," said Courtney.
The Rockets have a powerful-looking side for 2007 - especially with former Boro Bear Stuart Robson back to fitness after an injury-ravaged 2006 - and will be tough to beat around their tight Hoddesdon track.
Manager Brian Havelock won't look too deeply into the result at the end of the night - but he's expecting a good performance.
"At the end of the day it's only a challenge match," he said, "but it's an opportunity for the lads to go out and show everyone what they are capable of."
As well as reuniting Courtney with his parent club, this evening's fixture also brings together two other 'team-mates' - for Bears director of operations Gareth Rogers has been spending the winter months working on Rockets promoter Len Silver's forthcoming autobiography.
The Bears begin their home campaign this Thursday with a challenge match against North-east rivals Newcastle at South Tees Motorsports Park.
ROCKETS: 1 Chris Neath, 2 Luke Bowen, 3 Steve Boxall, 4 Tommy Allen, 5 Stuart Robson, 6 Adam Roynon, 7 Tai Woffinden.
BEARS: 1 Gary Havelock, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Chris Kerr, 5 Mat Tresarrieu, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
BAYS FUELLED UP
Redcar Speedway ~ Thursday 15th March 2007
THE Cleveland Bays have announced another sponsorship deal for the team's fuel & oil allowance. Darlington-based enduro racer Barry Simpson, who doubles up as the starting marshal at South Tees Motorsports Park, has offered to sponsor the whole team for every match they participate in the Conference League.
Older fans from Cleveland Park days will recall that Barry rode for the Middlesbrough junior team in the Scottish Junior League back in the late seventies. He was also a renowned grass track performer.
Community Development Officer, Steve Harland, said: "We have had Barry's involvement for a couple of years now through Smith & Allan Oils in Darlington, who used to sponsor former Middlesbrough captain Paul Bentley. Having being a speedway rider himself he fully supports the ethos behind the Cleveland Bays and we greatly appreciate this magnificent gesture to support the whole team's fuel for the 2007 season."
Barry will have his logo 'Simpson Racing UK' featured on the back of the team's racejackets.
"With the backing of Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions and Simpson Racing UK we feel as though we can make some progress in 2007," added Harland.
www.simpsonracing.co.uk website going live soon ....
REDCAR WINS PREMIER LEAGUE PROGRAMME OF YEAR AWARD:
Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 12th March 2007
Under the editorship of Gareth Rogers the Redcar Programme has finished as top of the Premier League ratings with Workington in second place and Edinburgh third in the Speedway Star annual assessments.
The Speedway Star review read: 'As match programmes go, this one had a unique style and feel about it and resembled a mini-magazine. For a first effort, the Redcar promotion certainly hit all the right buttons.
The programme was bright,breezy, innovative and full of good reading, with great articles, photographs, colour and useful stats and information.
And, yes, even the paragraphing was spot on too!
With the inclusion of a number of unusual features, the Bears production team can feel justifiably proud of ths first offering in 10 years.
In truth this was a darn good prog and one where the photo change on the cover each week actually did work. Welcome back, Boro Bears!'
Commented Gareth Rogers: 'My thanks to all those contributors who ensured variety in our production. As a management we strive to be as professional as possible and this is the latest of a number of nominations or awards in our short history. It is very encouraging.'
AUTY IN GB U21 SQUAD
BSPA ~ Monday 12th March 2007
GREAT Britain Under-21 boss Peter Oakes has named the team to face Denmark at Oxford on Sunday (7.45pm). Elite League stars Edward Kennett, Daniel King, William Lawson and Lewis Bridger are all included along with Premier Leaguers Ben Wilson, Ben Barker and Josh Auty.
Said Oakes: “This is an ideal opportunity for the youngsters to gain valuable international experience at an early stage in the season.”
BURNT TREE BACK BAYS
Speedway Star ~ Friday 9th March 2007
IT was revealed today in the Speedway Star that nationwide car and van hire specialists Burnt Tree Vehicle Solutions will be the Cleveland Bays main backer for 2007 and their logo will feature prominently on the front of the club's racejacket.
The company, who provide everything from self-drive rental or contract hire on a small car right through to a 44-tonne tractor unit with a trailer, have their headquarters in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, but have 16 locations in total across the UK.
The manager of their Stockton-on-Tees operation, Mike McCullagh, said:"I've never been to speedway but am looking forward to coming and having a look. I know our Peterborough branch have sponsored Gary Havelock and our Blaydon branch are involved with supplyingh transport to one of the Newcastle riders. We are one of the newer branches and only opened in June last year so this is an excellent way to publicise our business in the area".
Community Development Officer, Steve Harland, said: "We are delighted that Burnt Tree were so open to supporting us in this way. They will be coming to some of our matches and we hope that the relationship is a long and prosperous one for both parties. It's the biggest sponsorship deal I personally have ever been involved with and I know Chris (Van Straaten) was delighted when I telephoned him with the good news!".
A undisclosed four figure sum has been given to back the 'Bays first venture into the Conference League since 1994.
BEARS ARE TUNED IN
By Redcar Speedway ~ Tuesday 6th March 2007
Redcar Bears are to benefit from greatly increased radio coverage this season. The club have struck a deal with independent 'golden oldies' station Magic 1170 to mutually promote each other; whilst the team can also look forward to both pre- and post-match coverage on BBC Radio Cleveland. The Magic 1170 agreement sees all meetings at the South Tees Motorsport Park being advertsied on air ob raceday, plus comment about the evening's proceedings on the station's breakfast show.
The Stockton-based broadcaster's website will also contain details of forthcoming fixtures plus a link to the Bears' website. In return the club are to provide a half-page advert in the programme plus plugs for Magic 1170 over the stadium's public address system.
The Bears are also to offer a variety of listener competition prizes, including complimentary admission, pits visit including photo and autograph sessions with the team and several heats of centre-green viewing.
Magic 1170's Marketing Manager Ben Murphy commented: 'Our music policy and presenters represent quality, continuity and locality - major affinity points with speedway on Teesside. We are delighted with this association.'
Bears' Director of Operations Gareth Rogers, who has been responsible for negotiating the deal said: 'The club is pleased to expand its media profile for 2007 through the intimate medium of radio. This is one of a raft of new initiatives which should spread the speedway message further and allow us to build on the healthy foundation laid in 2006.'
Gareth is also an integral part of the BBC Radio Cleveland coverage and is set to match voice reports after both home and away fixtures. These are due to be played into the Matthew Davies Breakfast Show on 95FM which will also be available on-line. Regular preview material will be dealt with in-house by the radio station.
SPEEDWAY MEDIA LAUNCH; REDCAR BEARS
By Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 5th March 2007
The Press and Practice session for the Redcar Bear's 2007 Premier League campaign will start at mid-day on Thursday March 15th at the South Tees Motorsport Park, Dormor Way, off South Bank Road, Middlesbrough. There will be no public access during the daytime media launch for health and safety requirements.
The riders will also be available at the Legends Suite, The Riverside Stadium from 7.30pm for a fans' evening. Team members present: Gary Havelock (Captain); James Grieves; Mathieu Tressarieu; Chris Kerr; Daniel Giffard; Jamie Courtney and Rusty Hodgson plus team manager- Brian Havelock.
The Bears race their first away fixture against the Rye House Rockets at Rye House Speedway, Hoddesson, Herts on the evening of Saturday March 17th and their first home fixture at the Motorpark on Thursday March 22nd versus the Newcastle Diamonds at 7.30pm. Both are challenge matches.
BAYS TO STAGE FULL SEASON
By Martin Neal - Evening Gazette ~ Friday 2nd March 2007
It's all systems go for the Cleveland Bays after permission was granted to stage a full season of Conference League racing at South Tees Motorsports Park. The Bays, launched as a stepping stone for riders to work their way into the Redcar Bears Premier League team, entered the Conference Shield at the end of last season.
But now, after Redcar and Cleveland Council approved their request to run Bays meetings at weekends, they are set for a full season of action. They will begin with a challenge match against the touring USA Dream Team on Saturday, April 7, and will launch their league campaign with a home match against Plymouth Devils on Saturday, August 21. Planning permission has been granted to stage up to 12 Conference level meetings at weekends between the hours of 1pm and 7pm.
|
