Dan's back with the Bears.

Byline: Martin Neal

Rider of the year Dan Giffard will be back with Redcar Bears in 2007.

The South Tees Motorsports Park fans' favourite has signed on the dotted line to rejoin the Bears on another year-long loan deal from Elite League club Eastbourne.

It means another season of eight-hour journeys from his Sussex home to every home match - but he's delighted to be back.

"I'm really looking forward to next season," said the exciting 21-year-old former Weymouth star who was a consistently impressive performer this year.

"At the start of last season every press report you read reckoned that we'd be near the bottom of the table.

"We did much better than that and got into the play-offs, so I think we can we proud of our achievements. Hopefully next season we can do even better."

Giffard - who will move into the main body of the team after racing at reserve last year - joins Bears assets Mat Tresarrieu and Chris Kerr as confirmed starters for the Bears next year, while contract talks are planned with skipper Gary Havelock tomorrow.

With his immediate future sorted, Giffard's first job will be to try and secure some sponsorship from companies in the area.

"I didn't get a single penny in sponsorship from the Teesside area last year," he revealed.

"I think companies are under the impression that it would cost thousands and thousands of pounds - that's not the case at all.

"Any sponsor who came forward would be well advertised and well looked after. I need a new engine for next year, so it could really make a difference."

Anyone who may be able to help Giffard is asked to contact Bears' director of operations Gareth Rogers on 07901 844924 or [e-mail]