Redcar Bears back up to full strength again following the capture of Northallerton-born Richard Hall who lives in Bedale
Richard Hall (blue helmet colour) pictured racing against Redcar during his time with Sheffield - now he has joined the Ecco Finishing Bears
Club supremo Brian Havelock has revealed he scoured the world seeking the final piece of his 2014 Redcar Bears jigsaw before finding him right on his doorstep.
The Ecco Finishing Bears were rocked last week when Australian star Kozza Smith was prevented from taking his place in the side because of visa problems.
But the team is now back up to full strength again following the capture of Northallerton-born Richard Hall who lives in Bedale.
The 29-year-old three-times British Finalist, who rode for Sheffield last year, and finished with a 6.97 average, has a wealth of experience and was a star of Peterborough Panthers’ Elite League-winning side of 2006.
He is best known among many Bears fans for winning the South Tees Silver Helmet individual crown in spectacular fashion that season.
“It was a big disappointment to lose Kozza,” admitted Havelock, “but I can sympathise with him.
“The only visa he was eligible for wouldn’t have allowed him any guest rides, doubling up opportunities or open meetings and that didn’t make it viable for him.
“I tried all over the world to get a replacement once it became clear Kozza was out of the equation.
“I spoke to two riders in Australia, two Germans, two Danes and one in Argentina.
“I actually had a deal done with Pepe Franc too, but he came back the next day and wanted to alter some of the terms.
“I told him that was the deal and if he decided he didn’t like it, it was off.
“But I’m happy to have Richard on board. He’ll be fairly consistent, especially at home.
“And the difference is that he wants to ride for us - that’s very important.
“Some riders want this and want that and think they are the best in the world.”
Meanwhile new Bears No 1 Richard Lawson has been called up by Great Britain to race against the Rest of the World in the Ben Fund Bonanza meeting at Leicester on Sunday, March 9.
And new Team GB manager Alun Rossiter has hinted that a good performance next month could lead to further full international appearances.
Lawson was drafted in after Lewis Bridger pulled out, saying his equipment wouldn’t be ready and he didn’t want to go into the meeting half-heartedly.
Rossiter said: “I appreciate his honesty with that, and I’ve therefore called up Richard who is a rider who was always in my thoughts.
“I already know what several of the more experienced senior riders are capable of but it’s also important that I start looking at those who have been making good progress recently, and this will be a good test for Richard to see how he adapts at this level.”
The Bears hold a meeting for track staff in the Bears Bar at South Tees Motorsports Park tonight (7.30pm).
All fans are welcome to attend for a pre-season meet-up.
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