Anyone unable to attend the World Speedway Riders Association-backed Ben Fund Bonanza at Workington on Saturday will still be able to see the event as for the second year running, it will be streamed live by the British Speedway Network.
SRBF Chairman Paul Ackroyd welcomed the news and said: “BSN did a great job for us last year and it was a great way for people who can’t be at the event to still make a contribution to the fund for injured riders, as well as enjoying the meeting of course. We are very happy with the arrangement and very grateful.”
Cost of the stream will be £14.99 and it will begin at 1.30pm, 30 minutes before the start of the meeting.
It promises to be one of the best bonanzas as Danny King the holder bids to become the first rider to win three of these events – but he will have to finish ahead of Dan Bewley, Freddie Lindgren, Brady Kurtz, Sam Masters and other big names if he is to achieve this.
Ackroyd added: “One of the things I am pleased about this year is that all the riders volunteered. Not only that but other high quality riders made themselves available after we had completed the field. Sadly I had to turn them down because I would not have wanted to ask anyone to stand down.”
There’s little doubt that the venue this year has proved an additional attraction for the riders as well as the fans. Supporters should be aware that it will be cash only admission on the day as internet reception is not good enough in the area to cater for card payment.
Ben Fund officials are looking on both the women’s heats and the youth heats as a very important part of proceedings. SRBF secretary Stephanie Babb stressed how pleased the SRBF are to have these two groups involved.
She said: “We are privileged to have the opportunity of welcoming Pippa Laverty from the FIM to Workington along with four of the UK’s women speedway riders who will be racing three heats during the meeting.
“We will again be supporting Neil Vatcher British youth, with four of the 125cc riders taking part in two demonstration races.”
There will be just one auction on the day of the Bonanza but a significant one as Dan Bewley has donated his Team GB Race Suit which supporters will be given the chance to bid for – that should create much interest. The presentation team of Dick Barrie and Roy Clarke will be dealing with that.
Admission on Saturday, cash only, is £23 for adults, £20 (concessions), £10 students (16-18), £6 children (8-16) and under-eights free.
Full field for the Bonanza 2024 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.
