Freddie and Lewis join the field
Latest News Wednesday 12th February 2025, 8:05am
The lineup for the Ben Fund Bonanza at Oxford on 23rd March (6pm) has been boosted again this week with the announcement that Freddie Lindgren and Lewis Kerr will be in the lineup.
The great Swede Lindgren has in recent seasons paid the UK a visit early on to prepare for his summer of racing, even though he hasn't been full time over here. This is greatly to the benefit of both the Benevolent Fund and riders whose Testimonials he appears in, given that he is still one of the biggest draws in the sport.
This will be his fourth Bonanza, having ridden in the first two in 2009-10 and again in 2023. Last year's visit to Workington in March was foiled by the weather.
He said "It's one of the good causes to race a bike, with the Ben Fund, helping a lot of the riders who are in difficult situations."
Freddie has already been announced for the Ryan Douglas Testimonial the night before.
He has plenty of experience of Oxford even though Cowley was missing from the sport for so long. "Yes I rode there last year when I was with Birmingham, and previously in my younger years I raced there with Wolverhampton. I've been there a few times."
Lindgren in fact scored 11+1 there last season. He has no plans for further racing in the UK this season. "No not at the moment my schedule is full for this year with the Polish and Swedish Leagues, and obviously the World Championship is very important to me. I'm back with Lublin and with Vastervik in Sweden as well.
"I am as enthusiastic as ever, I'm feeling motivated, I'm feeling hungry and looking forward to seeing what the season can bring me. The aim is to reach that number one position!"
Lewis Kerr will be riding in his fifth Bonanza and admits that also he has needed to call on the Ben Fund for assistance in the past. "The Ben Fund have helped me a lot through my career so I'm delighted to be involved again this year. I broke my leg in the past season and they helped me out again. They've always helped me through the tough times. I'm back fit, and I'm running so I will be more than ready for the new season.
"I'm really excited to be at Poole, probably the most excited I've been for a season in a long time. It's about an hour and a half closer than what Berwick was last season.
"I was as surprised as anyone that I didn't get a Premiership place but as long as I prove I'm OK and start the season well then I think someone will come in."
Ten names have been announced so far and there's another certainty that will not surprise anyone. The field seems well set to live up to anyone's expectations.
There are still some sponsorships for the big event, which can be booked through Stephanie Babb on benfundbonanza@yahoo.com. Available sponsorships include race sponsorship £250, rider sponsorship £200, tyre/fuel at £60, programme advertising at £100 for a quarter page, rider mascot £40. Full details on the SRBF Facebook page.
