Ben Fund Bonanza: support it for Danny

SPEEDWAY’S Benevolent Fund chief Paul Ackroyd is calling on fans to turn out in force for the Ben Fund Bonanza at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm – to fulfil the wishes of the late Danny Ayres.

Ayres, a hugely popular rider for Scunthorpe Scorpions, died last month after losing his battle with mental health issues.

But Ackroyd has revealed how Ayres wanted to put 100 extra fans on the gate when he accepted the invite to race.

Ackroyd said: “Danny Ayres was due to race in the meeting and all he wanted to do was bring 100 more fans to come and watch him race to help the Ben Fund out and get behind the meeting.

“All the riders participating are volunteers and if your favourite isn’t one of those volunteers – still please come along and support the boys who are giving their time.

“The Ben Fund has been prepared to deal with the darker side of speedway and supporters can help us achieve that by attending.

“We really appreciate Rob Godfrey (Scunthorpe promoter) for working tirelessly to ensure we have the perfect track conditions.

“Great Britain are the only speedway nation in the world that has a charity. British fans should be very proud of that. Their way of showing their support would be attending on Saturday.”

The Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund raises funds for both long-term and short-term injured speedway riders, and also helps out in other circumstances where needed – such as providing assistance and support to the family of Danny Ayres.

Sheffield Window Centre are proud sponsors of the 11th staging of the Bonanza and company director Ian Hunter has expressed his appreciation of the only speedway charity in the world.

“I’m absolutely in awe of the work that the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund does,” said Hunter. “It is one of the most credible aspects of British speedway.

“I urge fans to come along and support the event.”

Admission prices are £20 adults, £15 concessions, £10 for children aged 12-16 and under 12s go free.

An official raceday magazine will be available on the day for just £4 including feature interviews with Sam Norris, Lewis Kerr, Ben Barker and many more.

2020 BEN FUND BONANZA LINE-UP:
Josh Auty, James Wright, Aaron Summers, Ben Barker, Steve Worrall, Danny King, Lewis Kerr, Tom Bacon, Paul Starke, Tero Aarnio, Thomas Jorgensen, Connor Mountain, Andreas Jensen, Anders Rowe, Simon Lambert, Kasper Andersen.

* BRITISH SPEEDWAY bosses have confirmed that it is full steam ahead for the Ben Fund Bonanza.

In a statement regarding Coronavirus, they said: “A new season of British Speedway will start as planned this weekend.

“The British Speedway Promoters’ Association can confirm there are no plans to cancel, postpone or otherwise change the running of our fixtures at this moment in time.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and it is business as usual following the information broadcast by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday afternoon.

“As an association we will continue to work from the advice handed down by the government regarding the ongoing situation.

“We would urge all riders, staff and supporters to continue to adhere by the advice regarding frequent washing of hands in soap and water and avoiding contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.

“We also remind people of the government advice regarding even mild symptoms, if you feel this is the case please stay at home for seven days.

“In the meantime, we look forward to a successful staging of the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund meeting at Scunthorpe on Saturday and hope substantial funds are raised for this most worthwhile cause.”