Organisers have completed what is probably the best Ben Fund Bonanza line-up since the famous Rye House event of 2010.
The last four riders added to the field for Workington on Saturday March 16 (2pm) are: Brady Kurtz, Kyle Howarth, Jye Etheridge and Norick Blodorn.
Brady Kurtz will be making his Bonanza debut and should be among the leading contenders.
He says “I think it’s a good cause that the riders can get behind. It’s a little bit difficult being the first meeting of the year, sometimes I’m not here early enough to be in it. I’m back early this year so I am ready to go!
“I’m not quite sure whether I have had assistance from the Ben Fund before, I was talking to someone about this the other day. Possibly in my earlier years when I was at Somerset, I was injured a few times, and I’m sure they would have done so then.”
Brady is not a complete newcomer to the venue as he’s been to Workington and had a look at it.
He said: “It looks really good so I’m looking forward to riding a track I might not get the chance to ride on again for a little while, so it should be good.”
The Aussie has no fears about what the season holds for his clubs.
“At Belle Vue I think we’ve got a very good team again, Lemo always builds a strong team, and we’ve got a few excellent riders. The line-up’s looking good and I’m looking forward to the season starting now.
“In Sweden I’m back at Mallila, I’ve been there for a few years now. We won the league last year and I’m looking for another good season with them. In Poland I am at Rybnik, where I also rode last season.”
Kyle Howarth has always been a big supporter of the Ben Fund and rides in his fifth Bonanza at Workington.
A former Workington rider in their Derwent Park years, he made a great contribution back in 2020 with a sponsored bike ride.
He says: “It’s a good meeting for a good cause and I’ve always tried to take part, giving something back.”
Paul Ackroyd was impressed and grateful that Kyle has made himself available even though he is organising his own testimonial at Sheffield just two days earlier, when Sheffield take on the World Select at Owlerton on Thursday March 14.
Paul, who originally came up with the idea for the Ben Fund Bonanza, said: “It’s good to have these meetings to have a warm-up. I hope the weather can be kind for both meetings on the day.”
Jye Etheridge stated his determination to secure a Premiership place at some point, and it seems amazing that he hasn’t after he contributed paid 10 to Sheffield’s victory in the second leg of the Premiership Final last season. Jye will be the focus of attention for Berwick fans heading to the Bonanza.
Norick Blodorn becomes the second German rider in the event along with Erik Riss, and brings the Belle Vue contingent to three along with Bewley and Kurtz.
Admission at Workington for the Bonanza will be cash only, which is a consequence of poor internet speeds in the area.
Admissions will be £23 for adults, £20 (concessions), £10 students (16-18), £6 kids (8-16) and under-8s free. The 40-page programme is £5. The main event will be 20 qualifying heats and a final, plus three women’s races and two 250cc youth races.
The complete line-up for the Bonanza is: Ben Barker, Freddie Lindgren, Dan Bewley, Tom Brennan, Danny King, Erik Riss, Sam Masters, Simon Lambert, Justin Sedgmen, Steve Worrall, Leon Flint, Paul Starke, Brady Kurtz, Kyle Howarth, Jye Etheridge and Norick Blodorn.
