Sam Masters joins Ben Fund Bonanza line-up – plus Danny King also announced

OXFORD CHEETAHS’ skipper Sam Masters will compete in the Ben Fund Bonanza individual meeting at Oxford Stadium on Sunday, March 23 (6pm) – along with 2016 British Champion Danny King.

A top line-up is already taking shape with Masters and King joining the already announced Oxford Spire Charles Wright and 2017 World Champion Jason Doyle as confirmed starters in the season-opener at Cowley.

Oxford is hosting the 15th staging of the annual event, which raises money for injured riders via the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund.

Last week, Cheetahs’ fixtures were announced, opening against Scunthorpe in MaxiCab Knockout Cup action at Sandy Lane on April 9. With Scott Nicholls recovering after a major operation on his shoulder, No 1 Sam Masters will take over as captain in his third successive season with the club.

But before that, Masters will competing in his fourth Bonanza.

He said: “It’s good that we have it at Oxford. I always like to do the Bonanza if I can. Last year’s was called off at Workington and I couldn’t do the re-staging, and the previous year it was the day before my testimonial.

“It’s a good way to start the season and the Ben Fund is great for British Speedway.”

Sam didn’t play a big part in the recent Australian Championship, preferring to be with his family over the Aussie summer. “I got a chance to be the wild card at Albury so I did that and enjoyed it and I got fifth I think. I wasn’t really keen to do any more.”

The Aussie is happy with the line-ups of his UK sides for 2025. “Leicester are quite similar to last year and so are Oxford apart from Scottie. But there are some strong teams in both leagues. I’m certainly up for it.”

UK veteran King has probably the best record in the Bonanza with ten previous appearances, 99 points in the qualifying heats, two meeting victories and three third places. His points tally is 10 ahead of the next highest. So is it a meeting he especially puts his best endeavours towards?

“I’d do that for any meeting,” he says, “but especially the Ben Fund when you consider the riders it has helped over the years. Everyone knows about the help the Ben Fund has given.”

Danny had reason to be grateful for personal help from the SRBF last year. Viewers of BSN will have seen him wiped out at Workington but he says: “It wasn’t actually that one which did the damage, I crashed in the following meeting and broke my hand. I had to have surgery and the Ben Fund helped with that.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, all riders are eligible for the Ben Fund’s assistance and all riders should be ready to help by riding in the Bonanza.”

The experienced King rides well everywhere but he adds: “I like Oxford, I liked it before the current promotion started up but I like what they have done in the last couple of years. It’s a great set-up.”

Danny will be attempting to become the first ever three time winner of the Bonanza. The only other double winner is Craig Cook.

There will be sponsorships available for the Bonanza for riders, tyres, fuel and mascot opportunities plus adverts in the programme. Interested parties should contact Stephanie Babb on [email protected]