A Bandit and a Comet in the Bonanza
Latest News Wednesday 4th March 2026, 9:30am
Two further additions to the lineup for the Ben Fund Bonanza should both find that they are well supported in the Glasgow event – Berwick's Nick Morris and Workington's Tate Zischke join the list of contenders. Zischke makes his Bonanza debut but Morris makes his fifth appearance having won at Swindon in 2015 and also made the final at Leicester the year before.
Morris returned to the sport mid way through the year last season and says he is 'excited' for the season ahead exalting, "I can't wait for the season to start now if I am honest.
"Coming back in July last year was hard but it was also good as everything is now set up for this year ahead and also I know I can still do it after the layoff. You always have a bit of doubt after missing time but now I know I can still do it and I have spent the winter back in Australia working and getting money together so my kit is as good as it can be and yeah I am really excited to get started."
That excitement for Morris meant it was a no brainer to appear at Ashfield on the 28th March when asked. "I've done a few of the Ben Fund meetings now and it is always an honour to be asked.
"I have been very lucky in my career and touch wood apart from a couple of broken collar bones I have avoided injuries so have not needed help from the Ben Fund. But I still think as a rider you should help out where you can. We all know how dangerous the sport is so anything that helps out should be supported.
"They do so much for riders so I feel it is part of being a speedway rider in the UK to help out and appear when you can and as I said I always feel of it as an honour to be asked.
"It is also a good chance to get laps in against a strong field as well and if we can raise some money that means riders get the help when they need then that can only be a good thing."
Morris has a busy year ahead with both the Bandits and Lions team spots secured but the 31 year old feels he is ready to get back to a full schedule and could not have picked two better clubs. "I am riding for two good clubs this year, obviously I have been with both before and worked with Stewart (Dickson) before as well so yeah as I have said already I am really excited for this season I think it will be a good year for both clubs and hopefully for me personally as well."
Tate Zischke was a beneficiary of the fund when he suffered multiple injuries in a crash in July 2024 and says he is only too happy to give back this year after the support received, "The Ben Fund was amazing when I had my crash so as soon as I was asked I said yes.
"Almost the moment I had my crash the Ben Fund were there to support without even being asked, they flew my mum over from Oz and helped her out for the two months or so that she was here before I could get home.
"It was amazing to be honest what they do for riders and the fact that it doesn't matter if you are from the UK or not. If you have an accident over there they will help which is incredible.
"I'll do anything for the BEN Fund now after what they did for me and my family so I hope to is a good day and we raise a good amount."
Last year was perhaps one of consolidation for the Queensland born racer but back with Workington and Belle Vue this year Zischke is looking to make the next step in his career saying, "This year is a big year for me. Last year was actually my first full season and coming off the injury it was tough at times. I think people sometimes forget I am still only 20 and had only done half a year before my crash but I feel ready for this year.
"My bikes are ready, I have felt good on the bikes when riding in Australia and I am excited to get over. I head over at the end of February so I will have time to get everything in place and I have the Peter Craven meeting at Belle Vue and the Ben Fund meeting alongside testing planned before the leagues start so I will be sharp and ready to go, I can't wait for the season to start now."
