More names for Ben Fund Bonanza

ORGANISERS of the upcoming Ben Fund Bonanza have been hard at work and can now add another three riders to the line-up for the season opener at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway on Saturday, March 14th (2pm).

Danish duo Andreas Jensen and Kasper Andersen will take their place, alongside fan favourite Paul Starke.

Rider announcements have reached the final stages with more vital cash set to be raised for injured and disabled riders through the vital Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund.

British speedway newcomer Jensen will be under the watchful eye of mentor Bjarne Pedersen as he bids to put himself in the shop window for a full-time team place in the UK.

Jensen said: “I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to race in England as it is something that I have never tried before. Hopefully it will be a great experience and another step forward in my career.

“It will definitely give me a feel for a typical British track before next year where I hope to be a part of the British league.”

Redcar racer and fellow Dane Andersen is determined to kick-on this season and is pleased to be able to once again do his bit for the Fund.

“I feel good about the early start to the season,” he said. “It’s always good to get back on the bike as early in the year as possible – let’s just hope the weather will allow it.

“It’s great to have some meetings before the league season gets going and to support such a good cause in the process is fantastic.

“My preparations for the new season have gone really well – I’m fully fit and ready for action!

“I aim to become more consistent this year and hopefully put a couple of points on my average.”

Starke, who recently joined up with Championship newcomers Kent, will make his return from injury at the event after suffering two broken wrists back in July at the British Final.

He said: “I’ve been in the gym every day and I’m fitter than I’ve ever been before. I’m better prepared and I’ve got a good feeling this year could be my year.

“It’s always great to be able to do my bit for the Ben Fund – they do so much for us riders when we’re in need.

“Hopefully there’s a big crowd at Scunthorpe and more money can be raised to help out the Fund – I can’t wait to get going.”

BEN FUND LINE-UP SO FAR:
Josh Auty, Jacob Thorssell, Nick Morris, Danny King, Lewis Kerr, Simon Lambert, Tom Bacon, Connor Mountain, Steve Worrall, Thomas Jorgensen, Ulrich Ostergaard, Andreas Jensen, Kasper Andersen, Paul Starke.

Report: JOE APPLETON, SRBF Press Officer.