Mechanics
Dictionary definition of a "Mechanic":
A person who repairs & maintains machinery, motors etc
A worker who is skilled in the use of tools, machines, equipment etc
In the banger racing world however, a mechanic means this & so much more...
The relationship between driver & mechanic is a two way act of trust, the safety of the driver & those around the driver is a responsibility of the mechanic, not only this but the success of the drivers day also lies heavily upon the mechanic.
The mechanics of the sport work incredibly hard, under intense pressure & usually without the recognition they deserve.
Banger racing - the drivers - the mechanics - the success, they all go hand in hand & here we learn more about the mechanics of the Bears drivers.
Dean Scrase
Mechanic To: 421 'Nutty Nige', 521 'Ace Ash', 221 'Motormouth'
A trusted mechanic to the Riley boys for most of his life, Dean first got into bangers after forging a childhood friendship with Justin & Ash. Starting with Ash's mini stocks, Deans love for building bangers grew with his friends love for racing them. Enjoying the buzz of watching them race & the teamwork involved in getting cars back out on track keeps his love for the sport alive.
Having raced 1600cc at Smallfields, Dean admites that he much prefers being a mechanic for the team & explains he's "much better at that".
Anyone who knows the Rileys can imagine working with them would be intertesting, Dean recalls a particular time in which 421 'Nutty Nige' lost his temper while working on an engine that wasn't behaving as it was supposed to & took a sledge hammer to it, unsurprisingly, in the aftermath, it still didn't do what it was supposed to do! On the back of this, when asked what the most valuable piece of advice he has been given Dean answers "Don't be late" & "Nige knows best"
To Dean being part of the Bears means hard work in making sure the bangers are up to scratch so the guys are safe, having a good day & pleasing the crowd.
Dean recognises Nige, Ash & Justins part to play in his childhood & would like to thank them all for all they have done & would also like to thank his fiance Amy who endures his racing & puts up with it.
Justin Pollard
Mechanic To: 421 'Nutty Nige', 521 'Ace Ash', 221 'Motormouth'
Son of original Bears member Jason "The Wizard" Pollard & Godson to the Bears founder 'Nutty Nige', Justin's involvement with bangers started at a very early age. Growing up with his father in the sport & in the team meant Justin was a student to the banger world from day dot & it was a natural progression to become part of the team.
Justin remembers fondly a time when it took him nearly the whole day to put a door plate on 'Nutty Niges' Volvo, having grown from that day Justin admits that he too would like to have a go in the driver's seat & will get his chance on 25th June 2011 when he makes his debut at Bandit Memorial.
The most valuable piece of advice that he's been given was "make sure you have done the water & fuel". Being a mechanic for the Bears is something that Justin loves to do, for a group of people that he considers family & he would like to thank the Riley Boys for showing him what he knows.
Peter Bristow
Mechanic To: 421 'Nutty Nige', 521 'Ace Ash', 221 'Motormouth'
Pete became a mechanic for the Riley boys nearly three years ago after meeting the Bears through fellow racer Noodle Neck. Having had a go at racing himself, Pete admits that he enjoyed the experience but wasn't really cut out for it, although he would happily do it again one day.
Something funny Pete remembers from his time as a mechanic was when 'Nutty Nige' was tinkering with his dizzy & the carb blew back & set his hair alight! When asked what the oddest thing he has been asked to do he responds with an intriguing answer "I was asked to go to Stoke on Trent & but I'm not telling you why" LOL
Recalling the most valuable piece of advice he has been given as "build a car properly or you'll get hurt", Pete also likes to give the drivers advice, the most valuable being "run someone in" & of course most of the team happily oblige! Being a member of the Bears means a lot to Pete & he would like to thank them all for letting him get involved.
Jim Thawley
Mechanic To: 331 'Wally'
Brother in law to long standing member of the team Brett 'Wingnut' Fry & Uncle to 'Wally', Jim has been a mechanic to both for a period of 12 years. Having raced in the past for the Bears in Rookie & 2 ltr bangers, Jim is no stranger to the buzz & excitement of the sport, it is this buzz & the challenge of keeping a car running all meeting that has kept him part of the team for so long.
Clearly a man with a sense of humour when asked what the oddest thing he has been asked to do, he responds "Shane does not ask me to do odd things, he is just generally odd!", it is this sense of humour that allows Jim to remember 'Ace Ash' setting fire to his back hair whilst welding a banger, as one of the funniest things to have happened whilst banger building.
His nugget of advice to his nephew has been "have fun, but be careful & safe". When asked what does being part of the Bears team mean to him, he points out that the main word is "team" & goes on to describe that he is part of one of the best banger teams currently in the UK, who have a team spirit of never giving up & yet still respect all the other drivers out there, to be part of that team to Jim is an honour.