Redcar Bears have begun the hunt for a new rider after Richard Hall announced he was quitting a month before the start of the season.
Hall, who had a brief spell at South Tees Motorsports Park last year, was seen as a potential trump card for the Ecco Finising Bears as there was genuine belief he could significantly increase his average of 4.28.
But just as last year when visa issues prevented Kozza Smith from taking his place in the team as the start of the season approached, the club find themselves looking for a replacement at the 11th hour.
“I was informed by (promoter) Brian Havelock that Richard had contacted him to say he no longer wished to ride for Redcar,” said Bears team manager Jitendra Duffill.
“I assume that means he won’t be riding speedway at all because he said he didn’t have any bikes or any money to get equipment. It’s disappointing because I feel he is a good rider who could have increased his average, which is what you need if you are going to challenge for honours.
“We will have to find another rider, which isn’t going to be easy given the points we have to play with - there aren’t many riders about who could do the job Richard was capable of on his average.
“Also other clubs have been in a similar situation because of the visa problems with Australian and American riders and we’re playing catch-up now because they will have got to the available riders before us. It’s a big blow.
“But I’ve given the names of three riders - all of them foreign - to Brian and they’re all riders we could fit in and I believe could do a good job for us.
“It’s getting late now but hopefully we will be able to find a suitable replacement and go to the tapes with a competitive side.”
The Bears will be hoping the new addition comes in on an average that would keep 2014 South Tees Silver Helmet winner Jan Graversen at reserve.
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