Swedish superstar Freddie Lindgren boosts Bonanza line-up

CURRENT World No 3 Freddie Lindgren will make a rare appearance on British shores in 2025 when he rides in the Ben Fund Bonanza individual meeting at Oxford Stadium on Sunday, March 23 (6pm) – while another addition is former Oxford Cheetah and Spire Lewis Kerr.

Ten out of 16 riders have now been announced for the Bonanza, the opening meeting at Cowley this season – and the line-up is the best that has assembled for the Bonanza for many years.

Included in the line-up are Charles Wright and Erik Riss of the BetGoodwin Oxford Spires and Sam Masters of the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs powered by County Plumbing Supplies.

Freddie Lindgren spent a spell riding for Birmingham Brummies in 2024 – his first British club since Wolverhampton in 2017 –  but he has no plans to sign for a ROWE Motor Oil Premiership team in 2025.

Last August, he scored 11+1 for Brummies in a Premiership clash at Cowley against the Oxford Spires.

The Swede has won seven Grand Prix rounds and was runner-up in the World Championship in 2023, just eight points behind champion Bartosz Zmarzlik, before finishing third last season.

Lindgren said: “It’s one of the good causes to race a bike, with the Ben Fund, helping a lot of the riders who are in difficult situations.”

He has plenty of experience of Oxford even though Cowley was missing from the sport for 14 seasons. “Yes I rode there last year when I was with Birmingham, and previously in my younger years I raced there with Wolverhampton. I’ve been there a few times.”

Lewis Kerr is one of speedway’s bionic men – having overcome some serious injuries. He was a heat-leader with the Oxford Cheetahs in 2023 and he also started the season with the Oxford Spires in 2024.

He said: “The Ben Fund have helped me a lot through my career so I’m delighted to be involved again this year. I broke my leg in the past season and they helped me out again. They’ve always helped me through the tough times. I’m back fit, and I’m running so I will be more than ready for the new season.”

There are still some sponsorships for the big event, which can be booked through Stephanie Babb on [email protected]. Available sponsorships include race sponsorship £250, rider sponsorship £200, tyre/fuel at £60, programme advertising at £100 for a quarter page, and rider mascot £40. Full details on the SRBF Facebook page.

In the meantime, Oxford Speedway have organised an open night at the stadium next Wednesday (February 19) from 6pm to 8pm. There will be support in purchasing ultimate season passes, the opportunity to grab merchandise at a discounted price, the chance to join a new monthly draw being run by the Supporters’ Club, and test items from the new fast food menu.

Ben Fund Bonanza line-up so far:

Charles Wright (Oxford Spires and Redcar)

Erik Riss (Oxford Spires and Redcar)

Sam Masters (Oxford Cheetahs and Leicester)

Freddie Lindgren (unattached)

Jason Doyle (Ipswich)

Danny King (Ipswich and Redcar)

Tom Brennan (Ipswich)

Tobiasz Musielak (Birmingham)

Adam Ellis (Ipswich)

Lewis Kerr (Poole)

PHOTO: Freddie Lindgren battling with Erik Riss and Maciej Janowski at Oxford in August 2024 (pic: Steve Edmunds)