A debutant for the Ben Fund Bonanza line-up but no stranger to UK speedway fans has confirmed his appearance at Workington on March 16.
Erik Riss will be taking his place in what is sure to be a hotly contested meeting at the Northside track.
Riss, a former Edinburgh, Redcar, Kings Lynn and Ipswich racer among others, is making what may be a rare appearance on these shores in 2024 as he currently is minus a team space.
He is looking forward to giving something back after a year blighted by illness in 2023 that saw him receive support from the fund.
“The help I got last year was massive and I know I wanted to pay that back in any way I could so as soon as I saw the date and location and knew I was available I contacted the Ben Fund to ask them to consider me for the meeting.
“I am also doing Charles Wright’s testimonial that weekend at Redcar but even if I didn’t have that I would have been over, and I am not just treating this as a pre-season practice I will be giving it my all.
“The Ben Fund must be the only organisation of its kind in world speedway.
“I know that as a foreign rider in this country still being able to get help when things like what happened to me last year happen, was just incredible.
“I hope by being in the meeting I can help them raise what they need so that other riders that need it can get support.”
Looking around the line-up Riss knows that a big day of action is in store and with one eye on putting himself in the shop window he is determined to put on a show.
“I decided I did not want to do the Championship in the UK in 2024 as the travelling is too much between here and Poland every weekend, but I did want to do the Premiership still.
“I guess because of my illness last year I under-performed so no-one made an offer or wanted to take a chance but I am willing and able to come back if needed.
“So with the quality in the line-up for the Ben Fund meeting I can hopefully remind a few promotors what a fully fit Erik Riss is capable of.
“I still have a big 2024 year ahead with Poland and I will do all of the big individual meetings in Germany so I am really looking forward to this year and it will be a great way to start it with the Bonanza. I hope the stands are packed for a great meeting.”
There are no advance ticket sales for the bonanza meeting. Admission will be £23 for adults, £20 (concessions), £10 students (16-18), £6 children (8-16) and under-eights free.
The main event will be 20 qualifying heats and a final with support heats for three women’s races and two 250cc youth races.
