The next two nights see the Redcar TLS Bears take on the Sheffield Tigers in Premier Trophy action. Tonight (Thursday) the Bears Travel to Sheffield to take on the Tigers at Owlerton, and tomorrow night the Bears host the Tigers at the South Tees Motorsports Park (7:30PM start).
These two fixtures will arguably be the toughest tests for the Bears in the Premier Trophy. Sheffield have an excellent record at home and are very tough to even get close to, whilst they have made themselves favourites to win group 2 with an away win at Scunthorpe. The Bears injury jinx has spread its wings even further overnight, with the rider booked to replace Chris Kerr himself getting injured and having to withdraw. James Birkinshaw was due to fill in, but suffered broken ribs in a crash at Birmingham on Wednesday night. His place will now be taken by Tomas Suchanek.. James Grieves will also be missing this meeting for the Bears, still suffering from a chest infection. Rider Replacement will operate for Grieves, meaning any of the Bears can take his scheduled rides. Havvy normally goes well around Sheffield, whilst Josh Auty has done lots of laps there in second halves in the past and should know his way round. All eyes will be on Ty Proctor as well, the young Aussie has been absolutely flying so far this season although the Sheffield track is very different to anything he will have rode before.
For Sheffield, reserve Lee Smethills is currently out injured, and will be replaced by the very in form Simon Lambert. Lambert has been practically untouchable at reserve this season, scoring big points everywhere he goes.
The return leg at the South Tees Motorsports Park sees the return of a former Bear taking the place of Chris Kerr. Now riding for the Reading Racers, Tomas Suchanek will be guesting in place of the injured American. The likeable Czech was very hit and miss in his time on Teesside, but when he was on form he was practically unbeatable around STMP. If he can reproduce that form then he will certainly be an adequate replacement for Kerr. Grieves will again be missing for the home leg.
If both matches go to form, then it should be two comfortable home wins, but anything can happen in Speedway!