Belle Vue well represented
Latest News Wednesday 22nd February 2023, 9:00am
Belle Vue proved themselves the top team in the UK last season, so fittingly they will be well represented in the Ben Fund Bonanza by Charles Wright and Tom Brennan, when the event is staged for the 13th time at King's Lynn on Saturday 25th March (5pm).
The two riders have something in common because they both scored a dozen points on their last appearance in the event, Tom at Peterborough last season and Charles in 2019 at Leicester.
Former British Champ Wright said "I'm a massive supporter of the Ben Fund, they've helped me out and anything I can give back I will, it's obviously a good cause."
During 2019 Charles actually auctioned his race suit from his Cardiff GP appearance for the benefit of the Ben Fund, a tremendous gesture, and he hints that he has another such initiative in the planning at the moment.
As for the venue for the meeting, he says "I wouldn't say King's Lynn is a particular favourite track, but I have had some good meetings and some bad meetings, so it's one of them really, whatever happens on the day! When I'm in race mode I still want to win, that doesn't change, so one better than the Leicester meeting would be great!"
Charles is back and the same clubs as last season, an ideal scenario for him. "More than happy with that, obviously at Belle Vue we won the league and it's my local club, so couldn't be happier with that. Redcar's like a home to me as well, it's my sixth season with them so I'm really looking forward to it.
"I've had surgery on my shoulder during the winter, it's what has been needed over the last couple of seasons but now I am back to full fitness. Can't wait for the season."
As well as the 2019 British Championship, Charles won the Championship Pairs last season which added to a previous success with Sheffield. "Whenever it comes to individual or whatever I like to up my game, it shows I'm going the right way in the sport."
His younger team mate at the National Speedway Stadium, Tom Brennan, also needed no second bidding to line up for the Ben Fund Bonanza again. "The Ben Fund continues to support riders who have been unfortunately injured, so it's good to be part of something that supports that and to keep the Ben Fund going. For me it's an honour to be in the meeting.
"In 2019 I broke my leg in two places and I was out for the majority of the 2019 season. The Ben Fund were amazing and helped me tremendously. Even guys that have retired from the sport are still getting help from the Ben Fund."
Tom was a finalist last season and says "I'll be trying to do well in the meeting again, and also having that track time, that's a massive thing. I kind of struggled round King's Lynn most of the time last year, so I'll try to iron out a few things and get as much time on the bike before the season starts. But I will be down there to try and win as well!"
As with his team mate, Tom is happy not to be moving clubs for the new season. "The two clubs I've signed for want to win and that suits my mentality, I obviously want to be part of a winning team. "The guys I ride with at Belle Vue and Glasgow I've known for years, so these teams feel right for me. I hope both teams can have a good season.
"In Poland I'm racing for Lodz this season which is Division 1, which is another big step for me as I raced Division 2 last season. So now that I have a little bit of experience under my belt, I can take it on to the next level really. I will love to see how things pan out because Poland can be very touch and go."
Supporters are reminded that they will not be able to buy tickets in advance for the Bonanza, all admissions will be dealt with on the day. Payment at the turnstiles can be by credit / debit card or cash.
For details of sponsorship available, check the News section on srbf.co.uk. There are three packages priced at £500, £250 and £100, plus a chance to be a mascot on the day (£40) or an auction to work with the referee.
Email benfundbonanza@yahoo.com to take advantage of these.
ANNOUNCED FOR THE BONANZA: Freddie Lindgren, Simon Lambert, Danny King, Connor Mountain, Lewis Kerr, Michael Palm Toft, Steve Worrall, Charles Wright, Tom Brennan.
