RISS RETURNS TO BOLSTER BEARS

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr says the return of German racer Erik Riss is great news as they look to mount a Cab Direct Championship title push in 2025.

Riss is back with the Bears next season after missing out this year, whilst the remaining members of the top five – Charles Wright, Danny King, Jason Edwards and Jake Mulford – are all back from the 2024 campaign.

Parr said: “When the points limit was set at 40, I wanted Erik back in the side, he has been a huge part of the club since 2019 and he is someone I enjoy working with.

“When he was last with us in 2023 he had his health problems, and with the points limit being 38 last season we couldn’t fit him in which we were naturally disappointed with.”

The Teesside outfit have made changes at reserve with the signings of Ace Pijper and Tom Spencer, the latter making his full-time Championship debut.

Parr said: “There is absolutely no pressure on either of our reserves. We tried to sign Ace after the Silver Helmet in 2019 but with him still being at school he moved to Glasgow, partly for logistical reasons.

“Ace upped his average last season, so if he can do that again for Redcar I will be a happy man. In Tom’s case, he is making his full debut at this level so there will be no pressure on him.”