GRAND Prix star Fredrik Lindgren and former King’s Lynn man Simon Lambert are the first two riders confirmed for the Benevolent Fund Bonanza at the Adrian Flux Arena.
The meeting takes place on Saturday March 25 (5pm) with Swedish great Lindgren appearing in the fund-raising event for the third time after racing in 2009-10 at Sheffield and Rye House – whilst Scunthorpe skipper Lambert will also compete in his third Bonanza.
Lindgren said: “It’s a very important cause. For myself, I’ve been on that side of things by being injured very seriously.
“I had some help from the Ben Fund and if I can contribute to some other riders getting help when they have a really tough time then I am more than happy to do that.”
SRBF Secretary/Treasurer Stephanie Babb has worked with Lindgren throughout his time in the UK, so his commitment is especially pleasing for her.
She said: “He’s not ridden over here for some time but I’ve worked with Freddie since he first came over, I did his Testimonial for him and we’ve always got on well. As he says the Ben Fund helped him out when he suffered a bad neck injury a few years ago.”
Ms Babb is equally happy to welcome the ever-popular Lambert into the field. He appeared in the previous two events at Scunthorpe (2020) and Peterborough (2022).
“He’s a lovely lad,” she said, “he always asks to be in the Bonanza and I am always happy to have him. You can guarantee he will give his all in every meeting.”
Lambert added: “I’m honoured to ride in the Ben Fund again, obviously what everybody who works for the Ben Fund does, not just for the guys who get injured this year but the long-term injured riders, is fantastic and has been over the years. I’ve used it myself and I think it’s great that it is one of the first meetings of the season.
“It attracts a better crowd, everyone wants their methanol fix at that stage. I am so pleased Freddie Lindgren is doing it, I’m not a big name compared to Freddie Lindgren and to get him is brilliant. There’s a lot of people out there who want to do it for such a good cause.”
The SRBF can also reveal the first two sponsor packages for the Ben Fund Bonanza, with more to follow shortly.
Nominations for Rider Mascots are invited, cost £40 each, which include Admission for mascot plus one parent/guardian, a Souvenir Programme, Walk out on parade with nominated rider, a Memento from the meeting and an opportunity to watch the first and final races from the centre green.
Also being auctioned is the chance to work alongside the referee at the meeting, with bids starting at £100. The winning bidder will gain admission and programme and designated parking, and will take part in the referees pre meeting track walk, be part of the rider briefing and will have the opportunity to start a race under the guidance of the meeting referee.