British racer Leon Flint admits it’s “an honour” to be part of the Ben Fund Bonanza as the charity event comes to his Cab Direct Championship home track Glasgow this Saturday (6pm start).
The annual event is staged to raise vital cash for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund – a charity that supports riders temporarily or permanently sidelined by crashes.
Flint is one of the last to join the line-up alongside double British Under-21 champion Sam Hagon and former GB international Ben Barker, who continues his record of racing in every Ben Fund Bonanza.
It’s a charity riders hope they will never have to benefit from, but Flint is glad it is there, and he is happy to lend his support.
He said: “I have been in the situation where I have had to use the Ben Fund in the past and they were great. They help in any way they can, so it is an honour to do it. The Ben Fund is always there whenever anyone needs it. It isn't nice when you do as it means something has gone wrong, but it is a great cause and one the riders really appreciate.”
Barker makes the marathon drive up from his native Cornwall to compete in the Scottish city. He said: “The Ben Fund is close to my heart and that's why I've done it every year. I don’t know how many more we've got left, though.
“I've benefitted from the Ben Fund throughout my riding years, and that's why you've always got to support it. I finished the season injured last year.
“I'm happy it's at Glasgow. I love the stadium, and I think they've done a great job there, so it's good to go up there and do a Bonanza.”
Also competing in the Ben Fund Bonanza are the likes of double FIM Speedway of Nations world champion Tom Brennan, triple British champion Chris Harris, former SGP star Peter Kildemand and former British champion Danny King.
FULL BEN FUND BONANZA LINE-UP: Chris Harris, Peter Kildemand, Tom Brennan, Kyle Howarth, Justin Sedgmen, Nick Morris, Tate Zischke, Danny King, Dan Thompson, Kevin Juhl Pedersen, Victor Palovaara, Dan Gilkes, Ben Barker, Sam Hagon, Leon Flint, Kye Thomson. Reserve: Ace Pijper.