21-year-old Daniel Giffard has agreed terms with Redcar Bears club owner Chris Van Straaten for the 2007 season.

Daniel was voted 'Rider of the Year' by fans at the South Tees Motorsport Park after showing great improvement across the season from one of the Bears' reserve berths. It is likely that Daniel will move into a top five berth for the new season next March.

Daniel returns on loan from parent club the Eastbourne Eagles and will again commute to Teesside from his East Sussex base. He is seeking sponsorship in the region to allow him to invest in even better machinery for the next campaign and in the initial phase of his quest will receive the assistance of the club's Director of Operations Gareth Rogers who will advise any prospective backers on what profile and facilities are available. Any interested parties should contact gareth@redcarspeedway.co.uk or 07901 844 924.

With the Giffard deal done and dusted - attention is likely to turn this week to finalising the immediate future of club captain and former World Champion Gary Havelock. This will run parallel with seeking at least one new reserve with Jack Hargreaves now being confirmed as a member of the Stoke Potters 2007 Premier League squad. Jack rode on loan to the Bears in 2006 but has been recalled by his parent club.