The Bears were formed in the early 80’s, when ‘Nutty Nige’ found a bear skin at a local tip, bolted it to the roof of his second banger (280 Estate) and decided that The Brighton Bears “just sounded right”. What followed in the next 25 years was neither planned nor anticipated, but something that every banger racing fan in this country is thankful for.
An original line up of names consisting of Mick ‘The Tip’ Francis, Richard ‘Dickhead’ Head (yes that is his real name), Martin Hills, Glen Harris & Brett 'Wingnut' Fry, were joined later by Richard Coomber, Ian Prior, Kevin Prior, Mick Francis Junior, Tony Sullivan, Nick ‘Nicko’ Allum. More recently, Paul Hinkley, Terry Hinkley & Graham Howlse joined the fray, along with many others. A team many would proudly race for has seen some great drivers guesting for them over the years, including 33 Simon Reed and ‘Kingy’.
The Bears are not a team with the sole aim of winning. When asked what they have won the response is, “It’s not about winning, just about spinning & binning!”
Their motto being “Smash ‘em up & enjoy yourselves” means that podium places are rarely on offer. Despite this, their attitude to the sport combined with their sheer entertainment value means they have won Team of the Year on many different occasions.
The Bears rate a number of meetings throughout the racing year, with their favourites being Icebreaker, Blockbuster, Firecracker (RIP), Belgium (“our kind of racing”) & Shamwreck (“the Irish are always up for it”).
For a team steeped in history, there have been many significant moments throughout the last 25 years... The birth of the founder Nigel’s two sons, whose destiny was already written. The loss of ‘Mick the Tip’, Paul ‘Head On’ Hinkley & Mark Hinkley RIP. Saying hello or goodbye to any member of the team, whether it be due to illness, age (Brett ‘Wingnut’ Fry) or retirement is always a sad day for the team, but no-one has ever left on bad terms.
Whilst only considering Bear Hunters as their rivals, the team encounter fierce competition throughout the country. With tongue in cheek, they admit that the most annoying thing for them as a team is other teams being jealous of their good looks and charm, both on and off the track!
A well respected team in all four corners of the country, The Bears also have respect for every team and every individual driver that they have ever come up against.
The best thing for The Bears is knowing that they give their all to have a good days racing, wrecking & entertaining not only for themselves, but also for the paying public, without whom there would be no sport. The hope that they fulfil this more often than not keeps them going.
The figurehead of the team ‘Nutty Nige’, does not class himself as a leader, but instead sees himself as a father and friend to each and every one of the team. Each team member contributes something unique, and is seen as a pivotal “spoke” in The Bears team wheel!
United & defiant The Bears ignore their critics. This is a sport, a sport they enjoy & a sport whose fans live to see. And it is to those fans that we must give the biggest thanks to.