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LATEST NEWS ~ MAY 2007
GARY BACK IN SADLE
By Carol Ward, Evening Gazette ~ Thursday 31st May 2007
CAPTAIN Marvel Gary Havelock makes his long-awaited return to the Redcar Bears side tonight when they take on holders King’s Lynn in the Premier League KO Cup second round (7.30pm start). The former world champion has been out of action since breaking two ribs and suffering a torn lung in a crash at Glasgow on April 15. But he has declared himself fit to return as the Bears go in search of their first-ever victory over the Stars. And, with the Bears’ fearsome top four of Havvy, James Grieves, Chris Kerr and Mat Tresarrieu finally reunited, team boss Brian Havelock is hopeful his side can go into Wednesday’s second leg at the Norfolk Arena with an advantage.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” he admitted. “The King’s Lynn team knit together well and pull together during the meeting. But I think we can do it. It might only be by a few points, but it’s not beyond us. We’ve got our kingpin back - he’s said he’s feeling quite good and he had a practice at the track yesterday. We don’t know how he’ll do in his first meeting back but he motivates the lads. That’s our top four back. James has been going well, I think we can expect Chris to do more than he did last week and it’s Matty’s second meeting back, so there should be more to come from him.”
King’s Lynn have brought in Polish sensation Michal Rajowski as a guest replacement for the injured John Oliver at reserve. Despite his average of just 3.68, he has regularly been rattling up double figure scores and posted a 14-point total for Newport at STMP earlier this month. But Josh Auty - whose 11-point score was a key factor in last Thursday’s win over Rye House - strengthens the Bears’ reserve berths after being named in place of Rusty Hodgson.And with Jamie Courtney still not fit to return after suffering bruised kidneys at Mildenhall earlier this month, Benji Compton comes in as a guest reserve and will be hoping to repeat his eight-point total against Sheffield a fortnight ago.
Despite being 10 points up at one stage, the Bears lost 49-44 at home to King’s Lynn in the League earlier this month after Kerr crashed and suffered facial injuries to become the third member of their top four on the casualty list.
BEARS: 1 Gary Havelock, 2 Mat Tressarieu, 3 James Grieves, 4 Arlo Bugeja, 5 Chris Kerr, 6 Josh Auty, 7 Benji Compton.
STARS: 1 Tomas Topinka, 2 Chris Mills, 3 Daniel Nermark, 4 Trevor Harding, 5 Paul Lee, 6 James Brundle, 7 Michal Rajowski.
DOUBLE WHAMMY FOR BAYS
By Steve Harland Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 28th May 2007
THE Cleveland ‘Burnt Tree’ Bays host a ‘double- header’ against Rye House Raiders and the Oxford Lions this coming Saturday, 2 June@3pm at the South Tees Motorsport Park, Middlesbrough, confident they can break their duck at home. The ‘Burnt Tree’ Bays have only won one of their four opening Conference League fixtures, away at Sittingbourne, and need to begin turning narrow defeats at home into victories. Defeats at home to Plymouth and Boston were unacceptable as the Bays more than contributed to their own downfall.
The good news is that Adam McKinna is set to return after being involved in a three man pile-up at Newcastle in only his second ride of the season back in March. Two broken scaphoids have now healed whilst Rusty Hodgson, who has been having Premier League outings with the Redcar Bears, appears at reserve in the first match due to the rider gradings with three Bays riders on Grade Two. Martin Emerson moves up to partner captain Mark Burrows, who came into form recently with a masterful 17pts in the eight point defeat at Buxton’s Hi-Edge Raceway. Bays other reserve Greg Blair will be looking to maintain his current progress, as it stands he is top of the Bays averages.
In the build up to the meetings the Bays have been hit by injuries to Steve Jones (ankle ligaments), Jamie Courtney (back) whilst Ashley Johnson will be riding for his parent club, Newcastle. It means that they are having to use the much loathed ‘rider replacement’ facility at No.3 against Rye House which is cancelled out because the Raiders themselves are without Ben Powell and will operate the same facility.
Rye House entered the Conference League in 2002 and although league success has eluded them they do have a reputation for producing talent as evidenced by Steve Boxall in last week’s Premier League encounter between Redcar and Rye House. Barry Burchatt has been signed by Premier League Newport but both Harland Cook and Robert Mear are very highly thought of at this level.
‘BURNT TREE’ BAYS TEAM Line-up:
1 Mark Burrows; 2 Martin Emerson; 3 Rider Replacement; 4 Gary Beaton; 5 Adam McKinna; 6 Rusty Hodgson; 7 Greg Blair.
One addition to the ‘Burnt Tree’ Bays line-up in the second match will see 15-year old Kye Norton make his home debut. The Hull-based Norton made his debut at Buxton and although he only scored 1pt the management were impressed with his attitude and application. Riding for the Oxford Lions is the highly rated 15-year old Ben Hopwood from Manchester who was one of the Bays targets during the winter. Hopwood finished second in the British U15 Championship at Redcar last season. Bays team manager Jason Pipe, said: “We do rate Ben very highly but Oxford made him an offer we couldn’t match”. The Lions have been hit by injuries to heat leader Jordan Frampton and precocious teenager Adam Wrathall but the experienced Grant Macdonald, like Burrows a former Wimbledon Don, and New Zealander Andrew Bargh, who rides for the Isle of Wight in the Premier League, will give the Bays plenty to contend with. Both Kyle Hughes and Sam Martin featured in the 2005 title-winning side.
‘BURNT TREE BAYS’ Line-up: 1 Mark Burrows (captain); 2 Martin Emerson; 3 Gary Beaton; 4 Rusty Hodgson; 5 Adam McKinna; 6 Kye Norton; 7 Greg Blair.
There is no price increase at the turnstiles for the additional 15 races, however there will be a 12-page programme produced costing £1. Admission prices remain £10 Adults; £5 Concessions (Students/OAPs); U16s – Free of Charge.
TEAM manager Jason Pipe has sacked Paul Burnett following his poor showing against former club Buxton. His departure allows Adam McKinna to return to the squad and make his long awaited debut on Saturday. Bradford-based Burnett spent eight years with the Derbyshire club but could not be fitted into their squad for the 2005 season. He rode briefly for both Scunthorpe and Mildenhall before being signed last season for the Cleveland Bays to ride in their Conference Shield fixtures, however he never quite managed to impose himself home or away. Pipe believes the way forward is to discover younger talent and evidence of that can be seen by the performances of 15-year olds Greg Blair and the encouraging debut of Kye Norton at Buxton.
FIRST impressions often count or they did so last week when local company SBV Fabrications of South Bank, Middlesbrough, attended last week’s Premier League match between Redcar Bears and Rye House Rockets, as guests of the club. Immediately after the meeting the club were pleased to announce a sponsorship tie-up involving banner advertising and meeting sponsorship. The company’s managing director, Tony Duffy, said: “We are based over the road from the track so it was interesting to see what was going on there. We have made an additional commercial investment with a view to further involvement at a later date.” Steve Harland, the club’s Community Development Officer, was delighted: “We’ve worked hard to try and get local companies involved with the club and we are pleased that SBV took up the option of closer involvement.” Earlier in the season Hawk Fasteners of Middlesbrough agreed a product placement deal with all contracted Redcar Bears and Cleveland Bays riders. Anyone wanting more details about attending a meeting as guests of the club should contact Steve on 07725 630148.
A KNOCKOUT ATTRACTION
By Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 28th May 2007
It is a quick return for the reigning Premier League Cup and League Champions the Kings Lynn Stars to the South Tees Motorsport Park this Thursday evening at 7.30pm. Victors by 49 points to 44 in the league on May 3rd the visitors will find a Bears team on this occasion that is reassembling its talents in readiness for this Knockout Cup Second Round First Leg.
Inspirational skipper Gary Havelock returns to the ranks after several weeks out with broken ribs. Matthieu Tresarrieu made his reappearance last Thursday in the league match against Rye House, having also been injured, with a broken collarbone, at Glasgow Speedway on April 15th. The Frenchman scored six and three bonus points from the number two berth in the line-up and retains that supporting role for the cup clash too. However, Jaime Courtney is still not well enough to resume duties after the kidney damage suffered at Mildenhall Speedway on May 6th and with Rusty Hodgson having further aggravated arm injuries despite his brave appearance last Thursday- Josh Auty moves to first reserve with Benji Compton making a guest appreance at number seven. 16-year-old Auty displayed his future potential with eleven points against Rye House whilst young Compton returned eight points against Sheffield at the Motorpark a fortnight previously. The teenagers will have to be on their best form as Kings Lynn have booked Polish sensation Michal Rojowski to fill the place of injured John Oliver at number seven. The Newport Wasp won his first four races for the Welsh side at the Motorpark earlier this month. Stars' other reserve James Brundle was also in the points for the Norfolk septet on May 3rd.
There will be a lot of interest in Redcar's own newcomer Arlo Bugeja after an encouraging Premier League debut at the Motorpark last Thursday. On the pace in every race - his robust pass of Adam Roynon of Rye House for third place in the penultimate heat fourteen allowed the Bears a 4-2 heat win and a margin going into in the last heat decider.
Appropriately for a Knockout match - the guest of honour will be South Bank, Middlesbrough professional boxer Paul Truscott who will be promoting his forthcoming fight against international opposition at the Eston Sports Academy on the evening of Saturday June 9th. He will meet up with Bears' James Grieves, a member of the Bellahouston ABC, Glasgow for the past 14 years. James in turn will be among the guests of honour at the boxing show.
Teams for Thursday evening:
REDCAR BEARS:
1. Gary Havelock (C), 2. Matthieu Tressarieu, 3. James Grieves, 4. Arlo Bugeja, 5. Chris Kerr, 6. Josh Auty, 7. Benji Compton
KINGS LYNN STARS:
1. Tomas Topinka (C), 2. Chris Mills, 3. Daniel Nermark, 4. Trevor Harding, 5. Paul Lee, 6. James Brundle, 7. Michal Rajowski
STAR INTERVIEW with Brian Havelock
By Keith McGhie of ‘Speedway Star’ ~ Monday 28th May 2007
Few people have had more headaches about the Bears’ on-going injury ravaging than manager Brian Havelock. In almost 35 years involvement with the sport, Yarm-based Brian struggles to recall coming across such an acute crisis hitting one team “It’s horrendous, almost unbelievable,” he claims. “You just can’t foresee this sort of thing happening and I’ve never before been in a situation where this has happened.” Just as it appeared the staffing problems were subsiding, with Chris Kerr already successfully restored to the saddle, Mat Tresarrieu due back tonight and the skipper Havvy probably only a week away from his comeback, so Dan Giffard broke his collarbone and gutsy Rusty Hodgson finally succumbed to his many falls – albeit, rather ironically, the one that finally did the major damage was on a moto cross bike!
“Obviously I’m delighted to have Matty back but we are limited in who we can use as rider replacement for Dan – just Mat and the two reserves – and we are two out of three reserves down, so we are looking to get someone in to cover for him in the short term,” continues Brian. “It’s so frustrating that we can’t get our squad back together again .. time’s moving on and the strong teams are coming and taking points from us.”
Brian had, justifiably, high hopes for 2007 and his pre-season confidence was supported by the impressive way the Bears’ began the campaign, unbeaten in the Premier Trophy and heading for the semi-finals until that fateful day at Glasgow when we lost Mat and Havvy. Things have gone from bad to worse since and James Grieves is amazingly the only member of Redcar’s original ‘one to seven’ line-up who has avoided missing a match through injury… and the season is barely two months old! Brian shakes his head in disbelief and continues: “Riders were just hitting form when they got injured and you can’t expect them to slot straight back into that form as soon as they return – it doesn’t often happen that way. Chris has done tremendously well to come back from a nasty eye injury and get back on and go out and win heats. But I expect Mat and Gary to take a couple of meetings to get back to where they were and now we have to find a way to cover for Dan. Fortunately we have Josh (Auty) available tonight and I’m hoping he will be available on a full-time basis from the middle of June onwards – once he’s finished his exams. I’m not sure why there are so many injuries this year and it’s not just us - in a recent match on TV there were three riders hurt and they had a similar sort of meeting at Somerset last Friday which had to be called off. But we have without doubt been affected the worst - I can’t believe what has happened this season. We must be jinxed?!
“Hopefully Matty returning may be the start of our luck turning and we expect Gary back the following week, while Jamie is letting me know on a day by day basis how he is.”
ACTION REPLAY
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Friday 25th May 2007
THERE was a feeling of déja vu at South Tees Motorsports Park last night where Redcar Bears snatched the Premier League points in a dramatic last heat decider for the THIRD week running. And guest No 1 Carl Stonehewer sealed victory against Rye House by winning the deciding heat - just as he did last week against Sheffield. There was no shortage of thrills in an enthralling match which ended 47-43 in the Bears’ favour, but could have gone either way. And, while the fans went home happy, manager Brian Havelock was clearly mightily relieved as well as pleased.
“It was a cracking meeting,” said Havelock, “but nerve-wracking for the staff and riders. These last heat deciders are hard work and they’re getting me down! The last thing you want is to lose by two points because it knocks everyone’s heads. Midships, when they got back level again, I thought our chance had gone. They were coming stronger and Chris Neath was getting out of the gate. I had to put Stoney on the rack and say ‘you need to win the last heat’ again, just as I did last week. But he’s the sort of guy who can just turn it up. He’s like my Gary, he’s a one off, and the cream comes to the top all the time.”
The Bears were never headed but their visitors twice drew level as Neath, Tai Woffinden and Steve Boxall displayed a liking for the STMP track. With Mat Tresarrieu and Chris Kerr still not looking 100% after their recent injury-enforced absences, Stonehewer and James Grieves had even more responsibility placed on their shoulders. But the star of the night was 16-year-old Josh Auty who weighed in with an impressively-earned 11-point total. This lad never knows when he’s beaten and is getting better with every meeting. In the race of the night, he and Tresarrieu battled past Ray Morton and Adam Roynon to turn a 1-5 into a 5-1 and put the Bears back ahead after Rye House had levelled for the first time. And, with the scores at 39-39, he came from the back again in heat 14 to beat Tommy Allen for his third win of the night.
Just as importantly, debutant Arlo Bugeja found a way past Roynon to seal a 4-2 and edge the Bears ahead going into the final heat. Though Bugeja’s final total was 2+1 he was on the pace and looked a decent prospect. “He rode very well,” agreed Havelock. “He put the bike in the right place on the corners, which is a good sign. It was a really hard meeting for him to come in at. If we’d been riding against someone like Berwick, he’d have scored five or six points.” With two points in it, Stonehewer wrapped up victory by taking the chequered flag in the final race with Grieves a fighting third behind Neath. Rather surprisingly the visitors elected not to use the impressive Woffinden in that race, choosing instead Boxall who had earlier done the Bears a favour by getting excluded for delaying the start of heat 13.
REDCAR BEARS;
Carl Stonehewer 12+1, Josh Auty 11, James Grieves 10, Mat Tresarrieu 6+3, Chris Kerr 5+1, Arlo Bugeja 2+1, Rusty Hodgson 1
RYE HOUSE ROCKETS;
Chris Neath 11, Tai Woffinden 8, Steve Boxall 8, Tommy Allen 7+1, Luke Bowen 4, Adam Roynon 3+1, Ray Morton 2
NEW LOOK FOR BEARS
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Thursday 24th May 2007
IT’S all change for Redcar Bears tonight when they entertain Rye House Rockets at South Tees Motorsports Park (7.30pm start). Back comes fit-again Frenchman Mat Tresarrieu for his first Premier League appearance since breaking his collarbone at Glasgow on April 15 at the expense of German Robbie Kessler, who was signed as a short-term replacement. Arlo Bugeja makes his debut after being signed up this week as cover for Dan Giffard, who broke his collarbone in last Friday’s nail-biting win over Sheffield Tigers. And Josh Auty makes a welcome return at reserve as Jamie Courtney continues his recovery from bruised kidneys following a fall at Mildenhall nearly three weeks ago. Workington’s Carl Stonehewer is again the guest replacement for injured captain Gary Havelock – who plans to be back against King’s Lynn next week – having scored the all-important heat 15 victory that clinched the points against Sheffield last week.
Team boss Brian Havelock has made a slight tweak to his riding order, with Tresarrieu lining up at No 5 and new boy Bugeja coming it at No 4. “I’d originally decided to switch Matty to No 2 so that Dan didn’t have to go out in heat two,” revealed Havelock. “But when we signed Arlo, it seemed to make sense to keep it that way for the same reasons. James Grieves can look after himself at No 3 so that eases the pressure on Arlo (who, under the league format has three programmed rides with the stand-in skipper as his partner). I’m looking forward to seeing Arlo in the team. I’ve heard good reports about him and when I’ve seen him in second halves, he’s shown a lot of enthusiasm and track-craft.”
The Rockets recently brought in veteran Ray Morton to replace Stuart Robson, who suffered a broken pelvis and spinal injuries in a crash at Mildenhall at the end of last month. They remain one of the main contenders for honours this term and are capable of scoring well right throughout the order. No 1 Chris Neath showed his class with a 14+2 score for Arena Essex in their Elite League win at Reading on Monday, while teenager Tai Woffinden has risen from reserve to heat leader with a series of stunning performances this term. They still have a sting in the tail too, with Adam Roynon regularly posting big scores from No 7 - making Auty’s availability for the Bears all the more welcome.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” admitted Havelock. “They are a formidable team.”
BEARS:
1 Carl Stonehewer, 2 Mat Tresarrieu, 3 James Grieves, 4 Arlo Bugeja, 5 Chris Kerr, 6 Josh Auty, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
ROCKETS:
1 Chris Neath, 2 Ray Morton, 3 Tai Woffinden, 4 Tommy Allen, 5 Steve Boxall, 6 Luke Bowen, 7 Adam Roynon.
CLEVELAND Bays have released Paul Burnett from their squad. He is replaced by Adam McKinna, who broke a scaphoid in his very first race of the season. McKinna makes his Bays debut on Saturday, June 2, when they take on Rye House Raiders and Oxford Lions in a Conference League double header.
BAYS LOSE OUT IN LAST HEAT THRILLERS
By Steve Harland ~ Wednesday 23rd May 2007
AN eventful weekend’s racing for the Burnt Tree Bays who went so close to causing a major upset in both the Conference League Fours at Plymouth and then going down to a controversial narrow defeat on Sunday in Derbyshire. On Friday evening at Plymouth they were along with Sittingbourne rank outsiders to qualify from Group Two. However, they managed to leave the result in doubt right up until the final heat. Hosts Plymouth finished well ahead but it was much fancied Weymouth who took the final race after Martin Emerson could make no impression. The Bays managed to finish ahead of Boston with Mark Burrows scoring 4pts, Greg Blair & Gary Beaton 2pts, Martin Emerson 0. Favourites Scunthorpe won the final itself.
On Sunday at Buxton’s picturesque venue deep in the Derbyshire countryside in front of a healthy crowd the Bays were keen to preserve their unbeaten away record. They were dealt a killer blow less than 24 hours before when Rusty Hodgson had to withdraw on doctor’s advice following a crushing fall last Friday night. They were further hampered by ankle ligament damage to Steve Jones so used the rider replacement facility. 15-year old Kye Norton was drafted in at reserve for his debut whilst Martin Emerson was moved up into the main part of the team.
The Buxton match had a bit of everything: close racing, overtaking & undertaking, crashes galore and some controversial refereeing decisions. Both captain Mark ‘Buzz’ Burrows and teenager Greg Blair were prominent throughout the afternoon and Gary Beaton put in a solid performance.
The first three races were eventful with four re-runs as Buxton’s Jack Roberts was at fault in two of the incidents. Bays team manager Jason Pipe was then warned by the referee regarding his conduct. The Bays managed to nose in front after four races but three consecutive 4-2s against soon put Buxton in command. Two consecutive 5-1 heat advantages to Buxton opened up a 12pt lead, the Bays should have had Borrows on a double-points tactical ride, however the required helmet colour was unavailable and the deficit was pulled back to 10pts with Burrows & Beaton finishing first & third. Burrows then rode the race of the day with a wheel-to-wheel battle with Bethell for four laps that even had the adjoining stock car supporters applauding. He then came out on a tactical ride from 15 metres back. He overtook both Buxton riders in one manoeuvre and team mate Blair moved over to allow him to take advantage of the double points ruling then disaster struck. Buxton’s Lewis Dallaway had fallen at the first bend on the fourth lap, Burrows could not hold on to the inside line on the final bend and drifted wide. Dallaway was still lying prostrate on the ground when Blair saw a track marshall picking a red flag up to stop the race and throttled off as Belfield came through the middle to the line. All three riders then had to take evasive action to avoid the fallen rider, a decision that could have proven nasty for all four riders. 15-year old Greg Blair then went out and beat Buxton’s top scorers in the final race as the meeting finished 50-42pts in Buxton’s favour.
Burnt Tree Bays:
Mark Burrows 17, Greg Blair 11, Gary Beaton 7, Martin Emerson & Paul Burnett 3, Kye Norton 1, R/R for Steve Jones.
* CLEVELAND Bays next home meeting has been confirmed as a double header with Rye House Raiders and Oxford Lions on Saturday, June 2, 3pm. All children under 16 years old will be allowed in free of charge. A 12-page programme will be produced costing £1.
ITALIAN RIDER SET FOR DEBUT
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Wednesdy 23rd May 2007
ITALIAN prospect Arlo Bugeja has joined Redcar Bears and will make his debut in tomorrow night’s Premier League clash with Rye House. The 21-year-old, nicknamed ‘Budgie’ has ridden much of his speedway in Australia and was formerly based in Adelaide. But he came to the UK at the start of the season and has been turning heads during second half races at a number of tracks. He comes in on a five-point average and will initially replace 2006 rider of the year Dan Giffard who faces several weeks on the sidelines with a broken collarbone.
“If keenness is anything to go by, he can make it to the top,” said promoter Chris van Straaten. “He has paid out of his own pocket to come halfway round the world for a chance to make it. It would have been easy to have brought a 45-year-old out of retirement while Dan is injured, but I am happy to give Arlo an opportunity because riders like him are the future of Redcar Speedway.”
Bugeja has initially signed for the minimum 28-day period, but the situation will be assessed after that. Robbie Kessler, who did a brilliant job during Mat Tresarrieu’s injury-enforced absence, has left following the Frenchman’s return to fitness.
BEARS' 'ITALIAN JOB'
By Redcar Speedway ~ Tuesday 22nd May 2007
Redcar Bears today signed 21-year-old Arlo Bugeja - who steps straight into the team at number four when the Rye Rockets visit the South Tees Motorsport Park in Premier League action at 7.30pm on Thursday evening. Arlo has developed his speedway education in Australia in recent years being based at Adelaide. Whilst competing in second-halves at various tracks including the Motorpark circuit he has been lodging with Glasgow Tigers' Lee Smethills and acting as mechanic for him whenever possible.
Arlo, affectionately known as 'Budgie', has impressed on his outings at Redcar Speedway and will initially cover for the injured Daniel Giffard. Daniel snapped his left collarbone in a crash at home last week and may be out for at least six weeks if surgery is required. As Daniel awaits further medical insight one rider returning to the fold after a broken collarbone will be the exciting Mathieu Tressarieu. He forms a partnership with star guest Carl Stonehewer. Josh Auty also returns after a successful contribution to the Scunthorpe Scorpions victory in the Conference League Four Team Championship at Plymouth.
Revised Bears team:
1. Carl Stonehewer, 2. Mathieu Tressarieu, 3. James Grieves (C), 4. Arlo Bugeja, 5. Chris Kerr, 6. Josh Auty, 7. Rusty Hodgson
BEARS POISED TO SIGN NEW RIDER
By Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 21st May 2007
With Daniel Giffard having suffered a snapped left collarbone after his fall in heat six of last week's home encounter with Sheffield, he will have to report back to his local hospital in ten days time. The diagnosis is that if there is no sign of the bone knitting within the intervening period then surgery will be required. As such the Bears' 2006 Rider of the Year could be facing a six-week absence from racing. So club boss Chris Van Straaten is in the throes of identifying a rider who could be signed as a temporary replacement with the prospect of his making a debut at the South Tees Motorsport Park this Thursday evening at 7.30pm when the Bears face the 2005 Premier League Champions the Rye House Rockets.
The Bears will still be without the services of club captain Gary Havelock and young reserve Jaime Courtney. Gary had a spin after the home match last week but is still in discomfort with his broken ribs while Jaime is still suffering problems with his kidneys. Workington's Carl Stonehewer will again guest at number one having done a fine job under pressure against Sheffield with Josh Auty available again after helping his Conference League side Scunthorpe secure the overall victory in that league's fours final at Plymouth Speedway last Friday.
Another big slice of good news is that Mathieu Tresarrieu is now fit again after suffering a broken collarbone at Glasgow on April 15th. He forms an interesting pairing with Carl Stonehewer for the match and will no doubt be given a warm reception on parade - partly through popularity and partly through relief for Bears fans who have seen so many of the 2007 squad on the injury roster within the first few months of the season.
Top of the Rye House averages is 16-year-old Tai Woffinden - one of the rising stars of British Speedway - who started the season at reserve. His clashes with friendly rival Josh Auty - also 16 - will be a fascinating glimpse into the future. The Rockets also track Steve Boxall who went from reserve to heat leader in 2006 and is holding his form under the personal guidance of former World Speedway Champion Michael Lee - now an important member of the management team at Rye House. The lively Chris Neath is the other top rider in the Rockets ranks and yet another hard-fought match is on the cards at the Motorpark.
REDCAR BEARS: 1. Carl Stonehewer (Guest), 2. Mathieu Tresarrieu, 3. James Grieves (C), 4. To be announced, 5. Chris Kerr, 6. Josh Auty, 7. Rusty Hodgson
RYE HOUSE ROCKETS: 1. Chris Neath (C), 2. Ray Morton, 3. Tai Woffinden, 4. Tommy Allen, 5. Steve Boxall, 6. Luke Bowen, 7. Adam Roynon
There will be a further media release once the Bears' new signing is confirmed plus the club hotline on 09068 664 665 will carry an update too.
It is fully expected that the Rye House promoter Len Silver will be in attendance at the fixture. Now 75 years young and still the centre green presenter , track curator and club administrator at Rye house - his life in speedway, first as a rider and then as a top promoter and World Final track curator, is being encapsulated in a book being prepared by Redcar Speedway's Director of Operations Gareth Rogers. 'Gor Blimey - the life and times of Leaping Len' is the proposed title and is Gareth's third speedway publication following biographies of multi-World Champions Simon Wigg and Hans Nielsen.
STAR INTERVIEW with James Grieves
By Keith McGhie of ‘Speedway Star’ ~ Monday 21st May 2007
Amid all the turmoil of recent weeks, with riders going down like tin-cans at a fete coconut shy, one man has truly stepped up to the plate and kept the Bears in business as far as their quest for honours in 2007 goes. James Grieves has proved to be ‘Captain Fantastic’ since assuming the skipper’s role during Havvy’s injury-induced absence. The quietly spoken but deadly serious on a speedway bike Scot has Rattled up 103 points (plus four bonus) in the Bears’ last eight fixtures, prior to the match at Sheffield last night.
The stat’s confirm his blistering upturn in form since signing during the winter after two, by his own admission, disappointing seasons at Newcastle. “After last year it’s come as welcome relief,” admits James. “I’m enjoying my racing again and it’s showing in my scoring. “I think riding at a new venue and with new team-mates has helped – I’ve had a lot of help from other people, especially Gary Havelock. “I bought a new bike and am using a different engine and things have really come together. It’s been pretty hard since Gary and Mat were injured but it’s been up to the rest of us to raise our game and that’s what we’ve done. Gary and Mat were a big loss and once they return, which should be anytime now, I’m sure we’ll get back to winning more than we lose. We’ve been doing really well even without them – Robbie (Kessler) has come in and been riding well and at Mildenhall it was so close.
“We could have won but a referee’s decision to exclude Ronnie Correy cost us the match. I scored 19 points but they didn’t seem to matter at the end of the match – I’d have rather scored less myself and the team won! It’s going to be hard getting into the play-offs now but we’re certainly going to be in their trying. The teams in the Premier League are pretty evenly matched and we have been put at a disadvantage by losing a couple of matches early on which we could have won without the injuries. We certainly need to remain unbeaten at home from now on and also pick up a few wins away if we are going to make the top four.
“All the fans can ask for is the riders to do their best and I can assure them that’s what we are and will be doing.” James will be looking for another big double-figured return tonight but warns: “Sheffield is going to be tough – they have a very strong team on paper. I don’t how it will go (went) at Sheffield on Thursday – it’s never been one of my favourite tracks but I’ll be going there trying to get some points and hopefully we’ll come here this evening in a good position to take the bonus point as well.”
One thing is becoming clear; when Havvy does make his eagerly awaited comeback, it’s not just with Scotland’s top rider alongside him as quality support, it’s with real competition for the number one slot... and that can only be good for the Bears’ fortunes.
INJURY BLOW
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Saturday 19th May 2007
Luckless Redcar Bears' injury jinx struck again last night when reigning rider of the year Dan Giffard was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone. But at least they had the consolation of a 45-43 Premier League win over Sheffield Tigers at South Tees Motorsports Park in a match that had more twists and turns than a mountain walkway. Giffard was injured when he fell awkwardly in heat six after guest team-mate Carl Stonehewer went wide on turn two. At that point, the Bears had their noses in front and Stonehewer duly won the re-run to give them a 19-16 advantage.
But two successive 5-1s put the visitors five points up and it was difficult to see how the deficit was going to be made up. That feeling grew when James Grieves was excluded from the re-run of heat nine after falling soon after the start. Visitor James Birkinshaw suffered an engine failure when leading heat 11 to seemingly gift the Bears a 4-2, but Rusty Hodgson fell and failed to take advantage. What might have been the unusual spectacle of a running race between the two failed to happen after Hodgson went on to the infield.
However the tide turned when Ricky Ashworth was excluded after tangling with team-mate Joel Parsons in heat 13 and Stonehewer teamed up with Chris Kerr for a 5-1 which put the Bears back in front at 39-37. It wasn't the first time Ashworth had been excluded for a fall. He was thrown out of the re-run of heat five after hitting the deck under pressure from Robbie Kessler who was robbed of a paid win behind Grieves at the second time of asking when his magic box packed up. Kessler was also in the thick of the action as the match reached its nail-biting climax. The German scored a crucial third in heat 14 behind Benji Compton, whose efforts were almost rewarded with a win before he was passed by Ben Wilson at the death. That left the Bears needing a 3-3 from the final race to claim the points.
Stonehewer hit the front and the Bears were on a 4-2 on lap three when Andre Compton, who was at the back, fell trying to avoid Kerr. The American was excluded, but the last lap had started when the red lights came on and the race was awarded. "We've had a diabolical meeting," admitted team manager Brian Havelock. "Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong."
Injured skipper Gary Havelock had a post-match practice spin but admitted his rib injury was still troubling him. Next Thursday's match with Rye House may come too soon for him, but Mat Tresarrieu will be back from his collarbone injury.
BEARS: Carl Stonehewer 11+2, Chris Kerr 9+1, Benji Compton 8, Robbie Kessler 7+1, James Grieves 6, Rusty Hodgson 2+1, Dan Giffard 2.
TIGERS: Andre Compton 10+2, Ben Wilson 9+1, Joel Parsons 7, James Burkinshaw 7, Paul Cooper 5+1, Ricky Ashworth 4+1, James Cockle 1+1.
CLEVELAND Bays failed to progress after finishing third in their semi-final group in last night's Conference League Fours at Plymouth. Tomorrow they visit Buxton for a league match.
BAYS: 1 Mark Burrows , 2 Gary Beaton, 3 Paul Burnett, 4 Rusty Hodgson, 5 R/R for Steven Jones, 6 Martin Emerson, 7 Greg Blair.
READY TO SNAP BACK
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Friday 18th May 2007
We'll get our revenge on you tonight! That was the message from the Redcar Bears camp as they prepared to welcome Sheffield Tigers to South Tees Motorsports Park this evening (7.30pm start), just 24 hours after their battling 52-41 Premier League defeat in South Yorkshire. James Grieves, Chris Kerr and Robbie Kessler will be particularly pleased to get their teeth into the Tigers again so quickly, having provided the hub of the Bears' resistance last night. Guest Magnus Karlsson hadn't set the pulses of Bears fans racing when he was booked to deputise for injured skipper Gary Havelock and his seven (paid eight) return was steady rather than spectacular. Second string Dan Giffard again struggled, along with reserves Rusty Hodgson and guest Mark Thompson - leaving the terrific trio to, remarkably, keep the result in the balance until two races from the end.
Grieves was sensational on a track he openly admits he's hated ever since a bad crash there some years ago, Kessler again proved he was a shrewd stopgap signing, while Kerr made a triumphant comeback after a heavy fall at STMP two weeks ago. The American inflicted a rare home defeat on Tigers No 1 Andre Compton and the only blot on his copybook came when he left Joel Parsons enough room to relive him of the lead in heat 13. He later admitted to boss Brian Havelock that he'd thought it was team-mate Karlsson behind him and not the Sheffield Aussie.
The Tigers had threatened to run away with it early on and were ten points up after six heats. But when Grieves came out as a tactical double in race seven and was let through by Kessler to wrap up an 8-1, the gap was suddenly down to just three points. Another maximum heat advantage by the same pair in race 10 kept the injury-hit visitors in it and they ended the night with a score higher than any other visiting team has managed at Owlerton this season, with the exception of champions and title favourites King's Lynn.
Tonight former Grand Prix star Carl Stonehewer is the guest No 1 in place of Havvy, while Benji Compton faces his old club in the hole created by the absence of injured reserve Jamie Courtney. "I'd be very disappointed if we didn't get the aggregate point tonight," said team boss Havelock snr. "I'm happy with that score. If you'd given me an 11-point deficit before the meeting I'd have grabbed it with both hands. Considering three riders hardly scored anything at all, we've done very well indeed."
TIGERS: Andre Compton 13, Paul Cooper 9+2, Ricky Ashworth 8+1, Joel Parsons 7+1, Ben Wilson 6, James Birkinshaw 5+2, James Cockle 4+1
BEARS: James Grieves 13, Robbie Kessler 9+3, Chris Kerr 9, Magnus Karlsson 7+1, Mark Thompson 2+1, Dan Giffard 1, Rusty Hodgson 0.
CLEVELAND Bays make the long trip to Plymouth tonight for the Conference League Fours.
COMFORTED BY COMEBACK
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Thursday 17th May 2007
American ace Chris Kerr makes his Redcar Bears return at Sheffield tonight in the first of two back-to-back clashes against the Tigers. But this week's two matches - at Owlerton tonight (7.45pm) and at South Tees Motorsports Park tomorrow (7.30pm) - have come too soon for injured trio Mat Tresarrieu, Gary Havelock and Jamie Courtney. Tresarrieu made his track return in last Saturday's World Under-21 qualifier at Rye House but scored only three points in a meeting he might have expected to excel in. He reported soreness and discomfort around the collarbone he broke at Glasgow last month and has returned home to France for a further recovery period.
Long-time Sheffield asset Robbie Kessler continues to deputise. Skipper Havelock is still nursing two broken ribs, though he hopes to have an after-match practice spin soon. "I'm on the mend," he reported, "but it's doing my head in because it's taking so long. I can't wait to be back because it was all going so well. The only way I'm going to find out when I'm fit again is by going out on a bike. Even though it's frustrating not being able to ride, the last thing I want to do is come back too soon and have to pull out of a meeting after only one race."
Magnus Karlsson of Wolves is the guest replacement for Havvy at No 1. He scored nine (paid 10) in a challenge match at Sheffield earlier this season and a repeat of that form would be warmly welcomed by the Bears management. Courtney is still suffering the effects of bruised kidneys, sustained in a crash at Mildenhall 11 days ago and is replaced by guest Mark Thompson - who rode against him for the Fen Tigers in that meeting. "It's a shame we're not back to full strength yet," said manager Brian Havelock, "but I'm delighted to have Chris Kerr back - we thought he was going to be a three-week job."
TIGERS: 1 Ricky Ashworth, 2 James Burkinshaw, 3 Andre Compton, 4 Ben Wilson, 5 Joel Parsons, 6 James Cockle, 7 Paul Cooper.
BEARS: 1 Magnus Karlsson, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Robbie Kessler, 5 Chris Kerr, 6 Mark Thompson, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
OUTSTANDING COMEBACK!
By Redcar Speedway ~ Tuesday 15th May 2007
One of the most outstanding riders in the history of the Premier League will guest at number one for the Redcar Bears in their FRIDAY home match against the Sheffield Tigers at the South Tees Motorsport Park from 7.30pm. Former League Riders' Champion, Grand Prix rider and England International Carl Stonehewer will replace the absent and injured club captain Gary Havelock.
The amazing story is that Stonehewer had retired from the sport in 2005 but after riding in Kevin Little's Farewell Meeting at the Motorpark in April on a one-off basis Carl rekindled his appetite for racing and quickly agreed to rejoin his former club Workington when they had injury problems. The Bears will also track Benji Compton at number six as first reserve on Friday. The youngster will no doubt be highly motivated as the Sheffield Tigers are led by his older brother Andre and is his parent club for whom he rode as recently as last season. He replaces Jaime Courtney who is still suffering from the effects of badly bruised kidneys.
REVISED LINE-UP:
1. Carl Stonehewer, 2. Daniel Giffard, 3. James Grieves (Captain), 4. Robbie Kessler, 5. Chris Kerr, 6. Benji Compton, 7. Rusty Hodgson
IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT SPEEDWAY THIS WEEK
By Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 14th May 2007
The Redcar Bears management have been waiting on various medical bulletins before declaring their team for Friday evening's encounter with one of the Premier League's most consistent top-line clubs: the Sheffield Tigers. Club captain Gary Havelock underwent an X-ray on his broken ribs on Monday while reserve Jaime Courtney had an inspection of his severly bruised kidnies but neither has received medical clearance to ride at Sheffield on Thursday evening or at the South Tees Motorsport Park on Friday evening at 7.30pm.
Mathieu Tresarrieu rode at Rye House Speedway in a World Under-21 Championship Qualifier on Saturday and survived several falls. However, he has reported soreness and discomfort around his previously broken collarbone. As such he returns to France for further treatment and healing with the home match against the Rye House Rockets on Thursday May 24th as his scheduled return in Bears' colours. The good news on the medical roster is that Chris Kerr declared himself ready for racing after a post-meeting spin last Thursday and would have ridden on the Friday evening at Somerset if the rain had not forced a postponement. This a week after undergoing plastic surgery on a serious injury around his left eye.
Sheffield are at full strength and a tough tussle is expected. In recent weeks matches have gone to last-heat deciders and provided heart-stopping entertainment. This Friday evening may prove no exception. At the time of writing Wolverhampton's Magnus Karlsson was lined up to take the guest spot a number one at both home and away.
REDCAR BEARS:
1. Magnus Karlsson, 2. Daniel Giffard, 3. James Grieves (C), 4. Robbie Kessler, 5. Chris Kerr, 6. To be confirmed, 7. Rusty Hodgson
SHEFFIELD TIGERS:
1. Ricky Ashworth, 2. James Burkinshaw, 3. Andre Compton (C), 4. Ben Wilson, 5. Joel Parsons, 6. James Cockle, 7. Paul Cooper
Club captain Gary Havelock is this week fronting a breastfeeding campaign aimed at young fathers - on behalf of the Primary Care Trusts of both Middlesbrough plus Redcar and Cleveland. He will among the guest speakers at an awareness event at the Trinity Centre, North Ormesby on Wednesday 16th May and then present certificates of achievement to health support workers.
Stated event co-ordinator Maggie Wood: 'We sought a dynamic and high profile local figure to appeal to young fathers. In addition his winning of the World Speedway Championship was one of the greatest individual achievements in the history of sport on Teesside. With the example of breasfeeding and a good upbringing as exemplified by the Havelock family - we can look forward to more champion performances by local youngsters in future years.'
Added Gary: 'I am pleased to highlight the many, many virtues of breastfeeding. My children Anastasia and Erin having been breastfed by my wife Jayne. I am also honoured for my sport to be invited to front such a highly-publicised campaign.'
WORLD CHAMPION HELPS TO PROMOTE BREAST FEEDING
Middlesbrough NHS Primary Care Trust ~ Monday 14th May 2007
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, 14th to 19th May 2007
Photograph Opportunity – Wednesday 16th May 2007, 11.30am at The Trinity Centre, North Ormesby Market Place. Gary Havelock, former world champion and Captain of the Redcar Bears Speedway Team will present certificates to the breastfeeding peer supporters. Parents, children and health workers from the South Tees area will celebrate breastfeeding at an event on 16th May organised to coincide with National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
The celebration organised by the Food for Life Breastfeeding Partnership includes the presentation of certificates to a group of women who have been trained as peer supporters to help new mums to breastfeed successfully. All of the peer supporters have breastfed and therefore have personal experiences which they can share and provide extra support if necessary. The peer supporters who have volunteered to work with the NHS will be mentored and supervised by health visitors and will help to raise awareness about breastfeeding in the local community.
The event will be held at the Trinity Centre, North Ormesby Market Place. Speakers at the event include Chris Bell who initiated the peer supporters scheme, Val Harrison who is a trainer for the peer supporters programme, Dr Helen Ball who has recently conducted research into parents and young children bed sharing and Gary Havelock, former world champion and Captain of the Redcar Bears Speedway Team who will be talking about the benefits of breastfeeding from a dad’s point of view. Following the presentations, Gary Havelock will present the certificates to the peer supporters, some of whom will be volunteers for Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Redcar and Cleveland PCT. Gary said, "I am pleased to help raise awareness of the virtues of breastfeeding amongst young fathers as I am aware of the many, many virtues of breastfeeding. My children, Anastasia and Erin, were both breastfed by my wife Jayne."
Jane Herron a breast feeding supporter who is one of the first volunteers said, “It’s good to be able to offer help and support to breastfeeding mothers. Being a volunteer with the Primary Care Trusts has given us the opportunity to reach more people. Sometimes all you need is someone to encourage and support you in order to establish and continue breastfeeding. It’s great to give something back.” Wendy Francis, Nurse Consultant Public Health for Middlesbrough PCT and chair of the Food for Life Partnership said, “I am delighted that we can use the enthusiasm and experience of the peer supporters to help the women to breastfeed.”
STAR INTERVIEW with DAN GIFFARD
By Keith McGhie of ‘Speedway Star’ ~ Monday 14th May 2007
Moving up into the main body of the team after a season at reserve, and especially wearing the notoriously tough number two race jacket, was always going to be difficult. But for bears’ ‘2006 Rider of the Year’ Dan Giffard it was made even more difficult by a crash in which he sustained a lingering lower back injury in the very first match of the season at Rye House.
Dan quietly rode through the pain and discomfort of the early meetings but without doubt the accident has had a profound affect on his scoring this term. He told me: “Riding at number two is certainly harder than I thought it was going to be. I started last year a little slowly then I changed frame and I changed engine tuner and I now have a set-up that I feel comfortable with. I have a new engine that I bought during the winter and I’ve been working with Sean (Wilson – Dan’s engine tuner) to try and get it set up for different tracks. Sean is brilliant and listens to what I have to say, and usually comes up with an idea of how to improve things. Sometimes I feel sorry for him because I’m not happy with the way things are going and so am making a lot of changes. The last thing I needed was the injury right at the start of the season.”
Dan had several sessions with laser treatment specialist Brian Simpson, who has also recently been treating our currently injured stars Havvy and Mat. “The back injury only put me out for one meeting but it caused me trouble for several meetings after that. More so it really knocked my confidence going into the first corner and that’s something I’ve had to work hard to counter. I’m maybe relying too much on my engines to get me to the first turn ahead and perhaps it needs a bit of my encouragement if you understand what I mean. It was a stupid accident but , for some reason, it has stuck in my mind and I’m slowly getting over it. During a race I’ve no problems at all – I’m happy to get stuck in an give the others a shove if need be – it’s just the first bend I’ve not fully conquered again.”
No-one has ever doubted Dan’s dedication to the Bears’ cause with a more than 600-mile round trip from his base in Eastbourne for HOME matches! The results are beginning to come with more than one sign in last week’s ultra hard encounter with reigning champions King’s Lynn. A superb first race saw the 22-year old out-battling Tomas Topinka on the first corner and repelling each of the Czech international’s repeated attempts to pass. “I’ve only had a couple of race wins this year and you need to be winning races to boost your confidence. You win a race and you want to go out and do it again. “I enjoy my racing and I’d love to do grasstrack again but just don’t have a bike – I invested everything in my speedway equipment but if someone was to come along and offer me a bike, I’d jump at the chance to race on the grass again.”
BACK ON TRACK
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Friday 11th May 2007
Redcar's battling Bears staged a stirring fightback to get their Premier League campaign on track with a last gasp 48-42 victory, boosting flagging spirits ahead of tonight's meeting at Somerset Rebels. For much of last night's fixture, it looked like Newport Wasps would repeat their shock win at South Tees Motorsports Park of last year. To make it an even happier ending for the injury-hit Teesside team, Chris Kerr and Mat Tresarrieu both came through after-match spins and are set to resume racing. Kerr, who needed plastic surgery on a facial injury after a heavy fall against King's Lynn, rides at Somerset tonight while Tresarrieu, who broke a collarbone at Glasgow last month, will return in Sunday's World Under-21 Championship qualifier at Rye House. In their absence last night the Bears looked like slipping to a third consecutive league defeat. With Dan Giffard and Rusty Hodgson struggling to make an impact and Robbie Kessler suffering an engine failure while leading seven, Brian Havelock's men found themselves eight points down after eight races.
Polish star Michal Rajowksi had made a mockery of his 3.68 average with four straight wins but when James Grieves lowered his colours for the first time in the battle between the two unbeaten men, it signalled the start of the revival. The Bears edged ahead for the first time as late as heat 14 and even then it needed a slice of fortune. All four riders were called back for a restart when Robbie Kessler hit the deck after being squeezed out by the Wasps duo at the first bend. When the tapes went up again, the German made a lightning start to hit the front straight away - and young Josh Auty capped a tremendous night by fighting his way past Tony Atkin for a paid win. With the scores at 43-41, a 3-3 in the final race would have been good enough for a home victory.
Bears fans had their hearts in their mouths when visiting pair Phil Morris and Rajowski hit the first bend in front, but guest Chris Holder went storming down the inside on the back straight to hit the front and it wasn't long before the flying James Grieves was right behind him. "With two heats to go I wouldn't have put a penny on us getting a 5-1 in the last race," admitted team boss Havelock. "But we got the points and we got a few more than I thought we had."
But despite his delight at turning the match round, there was no disguising the fact that - even with their injury problems - they should not have been in that situation in the first place. The biggest disappointment of the night was the form of last season's rider of the year Dan Giffard who followed three last places with a pair of thirds. And Havelock warned: "His head might be on the block, I don't know. We've got to start looking for another rider somewhere."
The Isle of Wight's Chris Holder continues to deputise for Gary Havelock at No1 in this evening's Premier League clash with Somerset Rebels, while Mark Thompson is the guest replacement for injured reserve Jamie Courtney. "It's going to be tough," said Havelock, "but we've got Chris Kerr back and that's good news. Mat Tresarrieu looked good in practice too, so he'll be back for us against Sheffield next week."
The Rebels axed former Bears rider Tomas Suchanek this week and brought in Stephan Katt in his place. They will again be led by Premier League No 1 Magnus Zetterstrom.
BEARS: James Grieves 16+1, Chris Holder 13+1, Josh Auty 10+2, Robbie Kessler 6+1, Dan Giffard 2+1, Rusty Hodgson 1, R/R for Chris Kerr.
WASPS: Michal Rajowksi 14, Phil Morris 9, Tony Atkin 7+2, Tom Hedley 7, Chris Schramm 3+1, Karl Mason 2, R/R for Nick Simmons.
STAR INTERVIEW With Chris Kerr
By Keith McGhie of ‘Speedway Star’ ~ Tuesday 8th May 2007
Three race wins including one of the most enthralling chase and double passes yet seen here at the South Tees Motorsports Park last week was a true indication that Chris Kerr is riding himself out of a difficult spell in his young career. Bears’ popular California speedster has been plagued by a series of falls and mechanical gremlins which have capped his scoring and sapped his confidence but with typical determination he appears to emerging from what we are all sure is a brief hiccup in his steady rise up the rankings. One spin-off has been his average is far lower than his undoubted abilities and that has been recognised by promoters elsewhere in the country and resulted in a series of guest bookings. During the past fortnight Chris has appeared in the colours of Rye House and Sheffield as well as his beloved Bears – indeed last weekend he raced three times in four nights, beginning with that thrilling ten point haul here against Glasgow.
“Other teams being able to fit me in is down to a combination of my average being very low and my form at the start of the season showing people that I was capable of scoring good points,” acknowledges the quiet spoken yet very articulate American. “I expected this might happen and I’m pleased to take the bookings and every opportunity I can get to learn and improve. I had a rough week starting with the match against Newcastle which we lost – the track wasn’t as any of us had expected it and so I struggled not having my bike correctly set-up. Then I suffered a carburettor problem while leading and then got excluded….but I ended up figuring everything out and winning my last race, which on paper was ironically the most difficult of the night. I try and learn from the races where things go wrong and figure out why but I don’t like to dwell on things and that way it’s not that tough to get over the bad meetings.”
Chris has dedicated himself to getting to the top of his chosen sport and regards England as the place to be in order to do that. “I was going to go back home for the ‘Nationals’ but the organisers couldn’t let me know until the last minute whether I was in them or not and it would have been unfair to Redcar to just drop everything and say I was going home. I don’t have a problem with not going home to race – it doesn’t help me improve much - although it would have been nice to perhaps have seen family and friends. I have seen all the tracks here now so I feel a little bit more comfortable on them but, most of all, I feel more comfortable with my riding. I trained very hard to get in good physical shape during the winter, working out and doing a lot of running, so that’s left me feeling more in control of the bike – more confident that I can put it where I want to on the track. Last year I struggled to last meetings – especially on the bigger tracks with a lot of dirt where I was beginning to tire halfway through the meetings. That’s not happening now – I generally feel more comfortable all round.”
BEARS SEEK REVENGE
By Redcar Speedway ~ Monday 7th May 2007
One of the shock results of the 2006 Premier League speedway season was the 51-39 away victory by regular wooden-spoonists the Newport Wasps over the Redcar Bears at the South Tees Motorsport Park. With the first home league match of the season having been narrowly lost against the reigning league champions the Kings Lynn Stars - when the services of Chris Kerr were removed after he suffered facial injuries which have required plastic and corrective surgery - the Bears will want to get the league campaign fired up and on its way against the South Wales septet.
Despite the pre-season punditry about their 2007 prospects, the experience of Welsh wizards Tony Atkin and Phil Morris coupled with the acquisition of talented Pole Michal Rajowski and Australian youngster Tom Hedley for their debut seasons has confounded a few 'experts' with the Wasps picking up some decent results including bundling the Birmingham Brummies out of the Knockout Cup competition on aggregate. So the Bears fans can expect another tough tussle with the home camp also sweating on the fitness of reserve Jaime Courtney who suffered severe kidney bruising after a crash in his first ride at Mildenhall on Sunday. Jaime now joins Gary Havelock, Mathieu Tresarrieu and Chris Kerr in having to spend time in hospital after a race incident.
Californian Kerr is now back at his British base in Worksop, Nottinghamshire recuperating and allowing the various swellings on his normally handsome features to subside. In his absence on Thursday the Bears will operate the rider replacement facility as will Newport for the absent Nick Simmonds. Isle of Wight Islander Chris Holder will guest for the absent Gary Havelock as the club skipper continues to undergo laser treatment on his broken ribs. The Australian showed a particular liking for the Motorpark circuit from his very first race there last season.
One bright spot in a difficult couple of fixtures for Redcar has been the sight of raw young local boy Rusty Hodgson winning his first Premier League races at home and away. A feat he achieved against Kings Lynn last Thursday and in the narrow 47-45 loss at Mildenhall last Sunday.
REDCAR BEARS:
1. Chris Holder (Guest), 2. Daniel Giffard, 3. James Grieves (Captain), 4. Robbie Kessler, 5. Rider replacement for Chris Kerr, 6, Jaime Courtney - subject to medical report, 7. Josh Auty
NEWPORT WASPS:
1. Rider replacement for Nick Simmons, 2. Tom Hedley, 3. Phil Morris, 4. Tony Atkin (Captain), 5. Chris Schramm, 6. Michal Rajowski, 7. Karl Mason
HAVELOCK FURY
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Monday 7th May 2007
We were robbed! Furious boss Brian Havelock couldn't disguise his anger today as he reflected on Redcar Bears' narrow 47-45 defeat at Mildenhall. The Bears, already without Gary Havelock, Mat Tresarrieu and Chris Kerr, suffered yet more appalling luck when Jamie Courtney fell in his opening ride and was withdrawn on medical advice yesterday. But what really angered Havelock was that guest Ronnie Correy was excluded from his final race by referee Phil Griffin for being the cause of a crash - even though he appeared to be in front at the time. With Courtney ruled out, the Bears were unable to track a partner for Correy as no-one else was eligible to take a rider replacement ride, leaving the American with it all to do. Havelock protested: "He was in the lead when the other guy fell off. But he was in front at the time. The referee robbed us. I told him he'd got it wrong and he asked me if I was questioning his integrity. I told him 'yes, I was'. Ronnie came on the phone and told him he'd never knocked anyone off when he was out in front."
The Bears had led 38-37 at the time of the controversy, but the Fen Tigers' 5-0 heat win swung the pendulum their way. And Havelock's hopes of a dramatic comeback win were dashed at the death. His side had fought back from a 24-12 deficit early on thanks chiefly to the continued outstanding form of James Grieves and Robbie Kessler but in the end they fell just short. "It was an excellent effort from the team nonetheless," said Havelock. Courtney, who has a bruised hip, may now miss Thursday's Premier League clash with Newport. But with Josh Auty available and Rusty Hodgson continuing to make progress, the reserve berths should not be weakened.
Kessler's performance was his best yet since joining the Bears - but he will still make way for Tresarrieu when the Frenchman has recovered from his broken collarbone. But there will surely be no shortage of takers on his current form.
Mildenhall: Jason King 10+1, Mario Jirout 8+1, Shaun Tacey 9, Kyle Legault 7+2, Tom P Madsen6+3, Mark Thompson 6+1, Chris Johnson1+1.
Redcar: James Grieves 17+1, Robbie Kessler 12+2, Dan Giffard 6, Rusty Hodgson 5+1, Ronnie Correy 4, Jamie Courtney 0, R/R for Chris Kerr.
IT was an almost identical story for the Cleveland Bays in their Conference League clash with Boston at South Tees Motorsports Park on Saturday. Trailing 27-15 after seven heats, they fought their way back to put their noses in front but were beaten 47-46. There was an injury for the Bays, too, debutant Danny Norton crashing heavily in his opening ride and being withdrawn on medical advice after aggravating a thumb injury.
Cleveland: Rusty Hodhson 13+1, Mark Burrows 11, Greg Blair 10+1, Martin Emerson 7+1, Gary Beaton 3+1, Steve Jones 2, Danny Norton 0.
Boston: Jon Armstrong 13, Simon Lambert 11, Matthew Wright 7, Darren Mallett 5+2, Cal McDade 3+2, Adam Lowe 3+1, Rob Smith 3
OUT TO IMPRESS
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Saturday 5th May 2007
Redcar's battered Bears head for Mildenhall tomorrow aiming to bounce back from their latest setback. A season which started so promisingly has been beset with problems recently, with American Chris Kerr joining skipper Gary Havelock and heat leader Mat Tresarrieu on the injured list this week. The Bears, who have brought in Robbie Kessler as short-term cover for Tresarrieu, will use Edinburgh's former World Pairs champion Ronnie Correy as a guest No 1 and the rider replacement rule to cover for Kerr at West Row. It was at the Suffolk track last July where they gained their first ever away point in their debut season - but team changes and injuries mean that Dan Giffard is the only survivor from the septet which drew 45-45 there ten months ago.
But, despite their problems, promoter Chris van Straaten believes his side can nevertheless make an impression against the Fen Tigers. "We don't go anywhere without trying to win," he said. "After Thursday's meeting Dan spent some extra time on the track trying to get things right - all the team care. We lost against King's Lynn last year and still managed to finish high up the table, so Thursday's defeat is not the end of the world."
Team manager Brian Havelock is back to lead the team after his break, while in the opposite corner is Mildenhall team chief Laurence Rogers, brother of Bears director of operations Gareth. The Fen Tigers are still without injured reserve Jamie Smith, and have drafted in Nicki Glanz who starred in Plymouth's recent Conference League win over the Bears' little brothers, the Cleveland Bays. Last week's meeting at West Row was abandoned after former Middlesbrough Bears rider Stuart Robson was seriously injured while riding for Rye House.
BEARS: 1 Ronnie Correy, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Robbie Kessler, 5 R/R for Chris Kerr, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
FEN TIGERS: 1 Tom P Madsen, 2 Shaun Tacey, 3 Kyle Legault, 4 Jason King, 5 Mario Jirout, 6 Mark Thompson, 7 Nicki Glanz.
OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT
By Gareth Rogers, Redcar Speedway Friday 4th May 2007
Following plastic surgery to deal with a deep wound to the area between the left eye-lid and the left eyebrow plus minor surgery to deal with nerve problems on the forehead - Chris Kerr was released from James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough on Friday evening and was taken back to his base in Worksop, Notts by his mechanics from Team Enzville Racing. Chris is in good spirits and asks me to thanks all his team-mates in the Redcar Bears for their support and concern. Team Enzville Racing would like to thank supporters for their messages too.
Chris plans to be back on a speedway bike as quickly as possible and the club hotline 09068 664 665 and the club website www.redcarspeedway.co.uk - the official outlets of Redcar Speedway will carry updates on Chris's progress.
CRASH DRAMA
By Martin Neal Evening Gazette ~ Friday 4th May 2007
American ace Chris Kerr became the luckless Redcar Bears' latest injury victim last night after a frightening fall in their 49-44 home defeat by King's Lynn. Kerr was leading heat 13 of their Premier League opener when he lifted coming out of the second bend and slammed into the fence. His goggles were pushed into his face, causing a deep cut around one of his eyes, and he was taken to James Cook University Hospital where he remained overnight. It is not clear whether he will be fit for Sunday's trip to Mildenhall. "The injuries were facial and he lost a lot of blood so it looked a lot worse than it was," said promoter Chris van Straaten. "It was a nasty blow to the face but there was nothing broken and he was conscious when they took him to hospital." With Gary Havelock and Mat Tresarrieu already on the casualty list, another injury was the last thing the Bears needed.
They made a stunning start to the meeting and were ten points up after six races. But the dreaded tac double rule hauled the reigning champions back into it when Daniel Nermark won heat seven in the black and white helmet with team-mate Trevor Harding third. Kerr's crash turned a home 4-2 into an away 4-2 in heat 13 to put the Stars ahead for the first time. A home 4-2 from the final race would have sealed a home win but both Nermark and Tomas Topinka finished ahead of James Grieves and Robbie Kessler to scupper their chances. "They are a powerful team," said van Straaten. "They have big home wins on a Wednesday and we take them on 24 hours afterwards when they are full of confidence."
Guest No 1 Jason Lyons couldn't repeat the previous week's heroics, although he was unlucky to be passed by James Brundle after losing power coming out of the final bend. One big plus point, however, was Rusty Hodgson's first ever Premier League win in heat two, while Jamie Courtney claimed the notable scalp of Topinka in heat 11. Former Bear Jack Hargreaves was a late guest replacement at No 7 for the visitors but, just as his 2006 team- mate Tomas Suchanek had done a week earlier, he failed to shine. "One highlight last night was Rusty's race win," said van Straaten, "and the fact that he finished in front of Jack Hargreaves twice is great."
BEARS: James Grieves 10, Robbie Kessler 9+1, Jason Lyons 7, Chris Kerr 6, Dan Giffard 5+1, Rusty Hodgson 4, Jamie Courtney 3.
STARS: Daniel Nermark 17, Tomas Topinka 10+1, James Brundle 8+1, Trevor Harding 5+1, Paul Lee 4, Chris Mills 3, Jack Hargreaves 2+2.
DANNY Norton makes his debut when Cleveland Bays take on Boston Barracudas in the Conference League at South Tees Motorsports Park tomorrow (3pm start).
BAYS: 1 Mark Burrows, 2 Martin Emerson, 3 Steve Jones, 4 Danny Norton, 5 Gary Beaton, 6 Rusty Hodgson, 7 Greg Blair.
BARRACUDAS: 1 Jon Armstrong, 2 Rob Smith, 3 Darren Mallett, 4 Simon Lambert, 5 Matthew Wright, 6 Adam Lowe, 7 Cal McDade.
OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT
By Redcar Speedway Friday 4th May 2007
Chris Kerr was kept in hospital for observation and a brain scan overnight. This was followed at 8.30am this morning by a plastic surgery operation to his eye injury that was sustained in last nights crash.
Regular medical bulletins can be heard on the Bears official hotline.
Team Enzville Racing also added that Chris needs rest at present, rather than phoning the hospital offering best wishes and taking medical staff time, please post your best wishes on the Bears forum.
PREMIER START
By Martin Neal, Evening Gazette ~ Thursday 3rd May 2007
Skipper Gary Havelock could be the key to a first ever Redcar Bears win over King's Lynn tonight - even though he's still out of the team through injury. For although Havvy has been sidelined since a crash at Glasgow on April 15, he has been a key figure in the pits. He was even team manager for the night at Newcastle on Sunday and will again be promoter Chris van Straaten's right-hand man for the Bears' Premier League curtain raiser at South Tees Motorsports Park tonight (7.30pm start). "I enjoy my chats with Havvy," said van Straaten, who is taking Brian Havelock's duties during the regular team boss's temporary absence. "He is turning out to be an inspiration to the whole club. He'll be in the pits with me again tonight, working hard to get the team fired up. He was working with Dan Giffard after Sunday's meeting and they seem to have sorted a few things out. Dan hasn't been himself this season, whichever way you dress it up, but hopefully with Havvy's help we'll see a difference."
The Stars have started the season in spectacular style and already look like favourites to retain their Premier League crown. They beat the Bears on each of the four occasions the teams met last season - and van Straaten believes it's time the pendulum swung the other way. "Everyone thought they would be weaker this season," said the Redcar chief, "but they are far from it. They're murdering everyone! We have got to be on top of our game because it's imperative we start off our league campaign by taking two points."
Jason Lyons again guests at No 1 in place of Havelock and will be looking to repeat last week's performance when he scored 15 points in the 53-38 win over Glasgow. Meanwhile Mat Tresarrieu has made a flying visit to the UK for laser treatment on his broken collarbone and remains on course for a track return in the World Under-21 Championship qualifier at Rye House on May 12. Tresarrieu jetted in from his Bordeaux home to visit specialist Brian Simpson, who also treated skipper Havelock last week. "He came over for the day and had two sessions of laser treatment," said van Straaten. "Things are looking very positive and he had a lot more movement in his shoulder after the second session."
Despite the likelihood that he will be fit, the Bears will not now be in the Premier League Fours at Peterborough a week on Sunday. Havelock will not be ready for a track return by then and, because they would have been forced to track a weakened team, their place has gone to Sheffield as per an agreement by the Premier League promoters.
BEARS: 1 Jason Lyons, 2 Dan Giffard, 3 James Grieves, 4 Robbie Kessler, 5 Chris Kerr, 6 Jamie Courtney, 7 Rusty Hodgson.
STARS: 1 Tomas Topinka, 2 Chris Mills, 3 Daniel Nermark, 4 Trevor Harding, 5 Paul Lee, 6 James Brundle, 7 Grant McDonald.
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