Six Oxford riders on display in Ben Fund Bonanza on Sunday, after Jonas Knudsen added to line-up

NEW Oxford Cheetah Jonas Knudsen is one of the final two names to be announced for the season-opening Ben Fund Bonanza at BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium this Sunday (March 23) at 6pm – along with former Oxford rider Ben Barker.

23-year-old Dane Knudsen is representing the SD Timmo Car Sales Oxford Cheetahs powered by County Plumbing Supplies, along with skipper Sam Masters. A third Cheetah, Dan Gilkes, has been announced as the reserve for the meeting.

In addition, a quartet of BetGoodwin Oxford Spires – Maciej Janowski, Charles Wright, Erik Riss and Peter Kildemand – are also in the line-up.

An impressive line-up is headed by three 2025 Grand Prix riders – current World No 3 Freddie Lindgren, 2017 World Champion Jason Doyle, and Max Fricke.

Tickets are on sale for the Bonanza on the Oxford Speedway website at https://oxfordspeedway.club/tickets/

Cost of entry is £25 for all categories of admission, but with under-16s admitted free if accompanied by an adult.

Sandy Lane is hosting the 15th staging of the annual event, which raises money for both long-term and short-term injured riders via the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund.

Jonas Knudsen said: “I’ve not used the Ben Fund, but I know that it helps injured riders so it’s a good thing and it’s something I want to take part in obviously.

“Oxford is a track I like really much. I can’t wait to have it as my home track. I kind of like every track in Britain, they suit my style.

“I think I made a big mistake last season when I was racing for Redcar to bring in one of my Polish engines which were too strong for the tracks and I could never make a start. I’m going to change that this season which should make a difference. I want more points to do well for the team and stay in the team all season. I just need things to click and be more consistent.”

Ben Barker is an ever-present in the Ben Fund Bonanza. He said: “I didn’t really think when I did the first Ben Fund Bonanza in 2009 that I’d still be doing it in 2025. But it’s good – it’s an honour to be part of it.

“Oxford is where I started my career back in 2003. I quite enjoy the new track and they are doing good things there.”

Oxford Speedway is holding its annual pre-season Press and Practice Day today (Wednesday, March 19). Sponsors and season pass holders can arrive from midday, while the general public are welcome to attend from 5.30pm. There is no parking at Unipart and parking at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ben Fund Bonanza full line-up:

Maciej Janowski (Oxford Spires)

Charles Wright (Oxford Spires and Redcar)

Erik Riss (Oxford Spires and Redcar)

Peter Kildemand (Oxford Spires and Berwick)

Sam Masters (Oxford Cheetahs and Leicester)

Jonas Knudsen (Oxford Cheetahs)

Freddie Lindgren (unattached)

Jason Doyle (Ipswich)

Max Fricke (Leicester)

Danny King (Ipswich and Redcar)

Tom Brennan (Ipswich)

Tobiasz Musielak (Birmingham)

Adam Ellis (Ipswich)

Lewis Kerr (Poole)

Justin Sedgmen (Edinburgh)

Ben Barker (Plymouth)

Reserve: Dan Gilkes (Oxford Cheetahs)

PHOTO: Jonas Knudsen – racing alongside Cameron Heeps – on his way to a 13+1 tally for Berwick at Oxford in 2022 (pic: Les Aubrey)