First two for the Bonanza
Latest News Wednesday 11th February 2026, 5:31pm
Riders are in the process of being booked for the sixteenth staging of the Ben Fund Bonanza at Allied Ashfield Stadium, Glasgow on 28th March (6pm start) and a strong field is expected. The first two riders to be announced are Chris Harris and Peter Kildemand and it makes sense that there will be representatives of all the clubs within easy striking distance of Glasgow.
Chris Harris has one of the best Bonanza records, with six previous appearances including two second places and one third. He is the sixth highest scorer in the history of the event.
He said "I hadn't realised I had done that many, but when Paul asked I agreed right away. It's an honour to do it to give a little back.
"Glasgow's an ideal venue with good entertainment and plenty of passing. As I've had these previous podium finishes it would certainly be nice to win it.
"Touch wood I have never had to call on the Ben Fund for assistance and I hope that continues but of course I do know plenty of riders who have had to use it. You never know what's coming up."
It would be a surprise if Harris wasn't heavily involved in the quest for honours this season as his two clubs King's Lynn and Glasgow look strong. "We've got Max Fricke at King's Lynn and he is a points machine, and there's good balanced backup.
"At Glasgow these are some newcomers but it looks well balanced as well and the new boys are good riders who should not take long to learn the tracks. With both my teams there is a good team spirit."
Harris is of course Championship Individual winner but he doesn't know if or when he will get a chance to defend that. "You never know in speedway these days."
Peter Kildemand is with Belle Vue and Berwick in the UK this season after a successful return to British Speedway following 7 seasons away. He's a crowd puller for sure.
He's happy that the meeting is at Glasgow. "It's a nice track and I enjoyed going there last season. It will be my second Ben Fund Bonanza and I am happy to ride in that meeting to give something back to the sport.
"I've never had to call on the Ben Fund personally but it is always nice to know they have your back if you are unlucky enough to be injured."
Peter won his first race and totalled 5 points in the Bonanza at Oxford last season in what was only his second meeting back in the UK. "I enjoyed being back in Britain last season and I'm happy to be at Berwick again as well as Belle Vue, I've been there a few times and it's a great track." Peter actually recorded his highest Premiership away score of last season at the NSS.
The Young Lions GB youth squad will be staging some heats during this year's Bonanza which ties in well with Glasgow's support of their training sessions.
As usual there are sponsorships available for anyone who wants to assist with the fundraising efforts for the injured riders. This ranges from £40 to become a mascot, £60 for Tyre and Fuel sponsorship, £100 for a programme advert, £200 for rider sponsorship, £250 for race sponsorship, £400 for sponsoring the meeting semi-final and £1,000 for the meeting final.
Contact benfundbonanza@yahoo.com to get involved in this.
