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SWINDON will be the venue next year for British Speedway’s now traditional curtain raiser to the new season – the Ben Fund Bonanza.The event raises vital cash for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund to help with injured and retired riders and it will take place at the Abbey Stadium on Sunday March 8, 2015, at 4pm.Robins co-promoter Colin Pratt said: “Obviously the Ben Fund is a great cause. I benefited from it after my accident in Belgium with the West Ham party, indeed I have found all the letters and correspondence going back to 1970, all the records of what was paid out, and these are records that I don’t think the Ben Fund have.“It’s a great thing and that’s why I get annoyed any time riders don’t want to go out for the collection, I’ll shove them out because you never know when it is your turn. I fully support it.”Colleague Alun Rossiter added: “I’m really chuffed that it’s coming to Swindon. It’s a good venue, it’s pretty central, and hopefully people have that feeling where they are hungry for a bit of speedway at the start of the year. I’m hoping for a good line-up.”(SPEEDWAY 2)

RICKY Ashworth’s latest injury update has sparked a massive response from motorcycle fans throughout the world.The former Sheffield and Berwick man was left seriously injured in a track crash 17 months ago when racing for the Bandits.Ricky, a league winner and Premier Riders’ Champion during his time with Sheffield, won his fight for life after spending 91 days in a coma in Hull Royal Infirmary — and now he faces another long-term battle, to lead as normal a life as possible. He is the first modern-day rider to be left with brain injuries after an accident.A special benefit meeting was unveiled last week for Owlerton Stadium on March 22 – and a massive crowd is expected.Now fans and businesses can donate direct after the bank account was made active to accept contributions.Julie Reading, who is one of the driving forces behind ‘Ricky’s Big Day’, says the reaction has been overwhelming.Said Julie: “I’ve had so many emails from people just wanting to donate plus a lot of enquiries regarding sponsorship for Ricky’s meeting. Now people can donate direct or email juliereading22@btinternet.com for further details.”Ricky’s Big DayYorkshire Bank, AlfretonSort code 05.02.11Account no 48008573

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NEWCASTLE have named Swedish duo Ludvig Lindgren and Anton Rosen in their line-up for the 2015 Premier League campaign.Lindgren returns for a fourth season in Diamonds colours whilst Rosen is back after being injured in the televised fixture at Peterborough last April with the club making changes soon after.Co-promoter Alan Hedley said: “Ludvig is very much a Newcastle rider these days, he is so entwined with life in the area that it would have been a major shock had he not wanted to ride at Brough Park next season and we have already spoken about his personal targets for 2015 in what he sees as being a major year in his career.“Anton was so keen to get back to Tyneside after his misfortune in 2014 that our negotiations were over so quickly. You not only want good riders but you also want riders who actually WANT to ride for your club and Anton certainly fits that bill.”

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SHEFFIELD have named former Buxton and Birmingham boss Jack Lee as their new manager for next season.Lee takes charge of the Premier League side and replaces Joe Screen, who has stood down from his role due to work commitments.Lee said: “It’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m really looking forward to getting started. I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into it and seeing if we can get some silverware for Sheffield.“After a tough year for the club last year we want to climb up the table, get into the play-offs and try to win something. We’ve got a strong side, so as long as we can stay away from the injury problems that played such a big part last year then I think we can really be challenging.”

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BIRMINGHAM have signed Harvie Banks for his first full-time team place in the National League.Banks, son of former Hackney rider Trevor, made occasional appearances this year having only recently taken up the shale sport, and he now feels ready to step up to regular racing.Brummies spokesman Phil Morris said: “After speaking at length with Harvie and his Dad, we all feel confident that he will be one of the best three-pointers around. I've spent many races battling with Trevor on the continental Longtracks and I hope Harvie carries on the family tradition of being a tough, no-nonsense rider.“It's very important that the bottom end of the team is right and capable of pulling in the points to back up the big two we have already announced in Adam (Ellis) and Tom (Perry).”