boz

The racing on the whole has been much improved compared to the last few seasons and was actually the first time this season I can remember any significant dust (we stand on the second bend so suffer from it more than most when it happens!).

With respect, its hard to judge it on last night. the vast majority of the races the Bears gated and gone and were never being caught. Could be the best racetrack in the world but if the 2 fastest riders gate in front there will still be no passing. A few good battles involving Lewis Kerr and Barker, and I think it was heat 14 with Douglas and Garcia passing and re-passing. I do agree with a bit more water on the track though, was plenty of dust in the second half of meeting.

Racing in general much improved this season, although having a better team definitely helps! Last week the track was tricky but a lot of rain contributed to that.

Massively disappointing meeting for me. Firstly congratulations to the Panthers - was an exhibition in how to gate. Starke in particular was excellent but pretty much all the Panthers had a good night. Bears were very poor - cant blame the injuries too much as already well out of touch by then although obviously did not help. Did not make the gate and rode the track poorly for me - was obvious early doors the outside was not working but we persisted with trying the outside to just go backwards every time. Track was certainly tricky after the downpour not long before the meeting but definitely not an excuse - Panthers just rode the track better than we did. Terrible time for Garcia to have his worst meeting for us - especially with Busch not far off fitness now. Dont mind losing if I have been entertained but tonight was just poor all round. Still, I think the team and promotion have earned an off night after this season so not too concerned.

Been no further rain here - quite warm in fact now. Latest forecast I have seen is for heavy showers between 4 and 5 then nothing after that. Much more optimistic of seeing some speedway now compared to earlier.

Rain has stopped, for now at least!

Yeah heavy rain and thunder in central Middlesbrough. Not too hopeful of this being on to be honest, which would be a shame as think a great meeting in prospect.

Totally agree with this - when we signed him I had my doubts but has been a revelation. Fantastic with the fans and seems to be on good kit this season. Has been excellent at the MPA and his team riding is excellent. Would be happy to watch him at the MPA for the next few years.

I believe Stuart Robson will again guest for the Bears.

I think only 1 meeting has gone uncovered which is a shame. Meeting could go either way. Really need the likes of Jonas and Ben to keep up their excellent form. Wed have half to chance to make a run at the top 4 but cant afford to lose any more home meetings really.

I think the logic in having JBA at two is also to help Perks out. Barker is one of a dying breed of team riders and I guess partnering him with Perks is to help him out as well.

Meeting is currently still on - has been light drizzle in Middlesbrough most of morning though. Guess the key is how well the track has took the rain from the last 48 hours. If it goes ahead, a very close meeting in prospect. Schlein should be a good guest for us - but Sheffield usually seem to go well round here!

I believe Nathan Stoneman will be guesting for Sheffield at reserve.

Agreed - and I think in most races it did end up with the quickest rider being in front from the tapes so meant fewer passing opportunities.

What Yearbys said. I work about a mile from track and had rain this morning but has dried up. From pic on Facebook track is looking excellent so should be no worries unless we get any unforecast rain. I can keep posting updates until you set off if needed HT.

Has dried up somewhat in central Middlesbrough. Assuming no more significant rain would imagine no problems in being on.

I wasnt sure about him when he signed for Redcar this season but has been a breath of fresh air. Brilliant off track with the fans, and has been superb for us especially at home. Never gives up and has been very quick. Also excels at the dying art that is team riding.

Kerr for Garrity weakens us slightly, but Kerr did have a good meeting here a couple of weeks ago and was the only man to beat Cook on Monday night so should be decent enough cover. Think our strength in depth in the middle order and reserves should hopefully get us over the line but another close one I think.

Has the potential to be a cracker this one. Teams look quite evenly matched, key could be how well Pickering goes on his first visit here.

He was good value tonight, still terrifying to watch at times though, never sure if he would come out of a corner upright!

He can only beat whats in front of him to be fair - was a long way back coming off bend 2. Was disappointed in both those two for you - have had very good meetings here in the past but looked off the pace.

Have to admit, easier than I expected. Only really Worrall and Lambert turned up for the Diamonds. Guests did well for the Bears but did not have too much impact on the overall score i imagine. Ulrich definitely scored more than Perks would have, but think Garrity and Ayres would have done at least as well as the Jorgensen and Carr (not a dig at either of those as thought both rode well - Carr should definitely be riding in the Championship in my opinion). Not a lot of great racing to write home about, although Barkers ride in heat 7 was sensational.

Will be a strange one tonight, even though it is a Derby as there are so many Bears missing it doesnt really feel like it. Does have the potential to be a decent meeting though, Newcastles top 5 all have the potential to go well here although they do look a touch suspect at reserve so hopefully a big night for Garcia. Will go for a Bears/Comets/Panthers/Brummies win but only just.

Ostergaard will guest for the missing Perks. Wright suffered suspected concussion on Friday so has been ruled out. R/r for him, as he is now second in averages anyone can take a ride. Ayres late fitness test

I believe Garrity has declared himself fit and will be riding. Guest for Perks as he is riding for Rye House, but at least with his new average now should get a capable replacement.