A labour of love for speedway fan John

Aug 5 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

LIFELONG motorbike fan John Chilton is delighted with his newest client - the Redcar Bears speedway team.

The chartered accountant, who works for Middlesbrough firm Chipchase Manners, already does work for several past and present Bears stars, including former world champion Gary Havelock and his father, Bears' manager Brian Havelock.

"It's the ultimate labour of love for me," said John, who has supported the Bears for more than 30 years and was once part of a six-strong fans' consortium that owned the speedway team when it was known as the Middlesbrough Bears and was based at Cleveland Park.

"I became hooked on speedway as a teenager when I was dragged along to a meeting by a relative," says John. "It's one of the great spectator sports - lots of fast and furious action, but rival fans stand side by side without a hint of animosity.

"I know and love the sport and the Redcar Bears team, and I hope they look upon me as a trusted friend. People who run speedway do it for the love of the sport - as with all businesses it's important their finances are carefully controlled. "

The Bears are one of the best-supported teams in British speedway's Premier League, regularly attracting crowds of over 1,000 to the South Tees Motorsports Park, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough.

To celebrate their appointment, Chipchase Manners sponsored the Bears' recent home league encounter with the Scunthorpe Scorpions - and plan to sponsor at least one meeting a season.