Redcar Preview
Posted 10/05/06

Glasgow make their first visit down to the newest club in speedway on Thursday when they take on the Redcar Bears at Middlesborough tomorrow night.

Obviously none of the riders have previously ridden the track but it will seem like a return for Shane who spent a couple of years with the Middlesborough Bears in the mid 90's. Shane is still well thought of in Middlesborough and has never made any secret of his fond memories of that time.

However it will be business as usual for Shame and the rest of the Tigers against a Redcar side who have won their last three home meetings after a shaky start to the season.

Gary Havelock is the rider most expect to top the Premier League averages and from meetings ridden to date is averaging 10.6 around his home track. It should provide some excellent racing when Shane and Danny come up against him. They will hope to be able to get the better of American youngster Chris Kerr although he is now beginning to settle into British Speedway and his scores are starting to increase accordingly.

There is some dubiety as to whether Kevin Little will be fit to ride for redcar at no 2 after sustaining a shoulder injury in a nasty crash at Kings Lynn this evening. He has adapted to his new home track very quickly and been formidable opposition at home. Matt Tresarrieu will be riding his first home meeting for the Bears, his delay in starting the season ironically being die to a shoulder injury. He struggled badly in his opening meeting at Kings Lynn tonight, the only opponent he beat being Kings Lynn's 'C' grade reserve John Oliver.

The final rider in the main body of the team is Tomas Suchanek. He definitely prefers larger tracks and actually has a lower home average so far this season than the Redcar reserves.

Jack Hargreaves and Daniel Giffard provide the reserve opposition. Jack rode a few times for Stoke last season and has settled in to be a relatively consistent reserve with a home average above 4. Fellow reserve Dan Giffard has surpassed many people's expectations and boasts a home average of over 5.

With Kauko missing, it could be a very difficult meeting for the Tigers. Redcar will be smarting from tonight's heavy defeat at Kings Lynn, something that could work against Glasgow.

Should Kevin Little not be fit, with Suchanek riding his first home meeting Glasgow could have a chance but not only the reserves but at least one of the middle order would have to weigh in with some points.

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