SHEFFIELD’S Owlerton Stadium is the place to be on Sunday afternoon as a host of Speedway superstars race in the first-ever ‘Ben Fund Bonanza’ (3.30).

The event will raise vital cash for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund, which provides help to injured and retired riders who fall on hard times.

It’s the idea of former referee Paul Ackroyd, who rates Sheffield as one of his favourite venues – and that’s why he approached Tigers bosses to see if they would be prepared to stage the event.

Grand Prix stars Jason Crump, Scott Nicholls, Leigh Adams (PICTURED) and Freddie Lindgren are all included in one of the best line-ups seen at the Owlerton track for years.

Ackroyd reckons the event is long overdue and wants to see the terraces packed.

“It’s something which should have been done before and the attitude of the riders has been brilliant to say the least,” he said. “I hope we get a big crowd and that would really swell the coffers of the cause.

“There are former riders now who are still getting some support from the Ben Fund. These guys put their neck on the line every time they get on a bike and this is a great way for everyone to show their appreciation.”

Tigers duo Ricky Ashworth and Richard Hall both figure with youngster Josh Auty at reserve.
In a late switch, Eastbourne’s Davey Watt has joined the line-up to replace former Tiger Simon Stead who has been forced to ride in Poland.

BEN FUND BONANZA, OWLERTON STADIUM SHEFFIELD, TOMORROW, 3.30PM. 16 RIDERS, 20 HEATS. ADMISSIONS £15 (ADULTS), £10 (OAPs), £5 (UNDER 16s).
Full Field: KEVIN DOOLAN, RICKY ASHWORTH, ANDRE COMPTON, SCOTT NICHOLLS, JASON CRUMP, LEIGH ADAMS, FREDDIE LINDGREN, TAI WOFFINDEN, DAVEY WATT, BEN BARKER, EDDIE KENNETT, JASON LYONS, KAUKO NIEMINEN, TOMASZ PISZCZ, FILIP SITERA, RICHARD HALL. Reserve JOSH AUTY.