NICKI Pedersen has become the fourth top Danish star to commit to the Ben Fund Bonanza at Birmingham on Sunday March 11.The former World Champion scored heavily at Perry Barr last season and joins fellow countrymen Hans Andersen, Kenneth Bjerre and Bjarne Pedersen in the line-up for a meeting which raises vital funds for injured riders.Pedersen, winner of the event at Rye House in 2010, said: “I was quite happy to win the meeting because it is a boost. But most important is to help somebody else, you deliver some money for the injured riders. I’m glad I can get into the meeting again.“Also I am happy that it’s a Birmingham, it’s a good racing track and I’ve had some good meetings there. It should be a great day for the fans to come and watch.”
PLYMOUTH have confirmed four signings to complete their 2012 line-up – headlined by the capture of former Premier League Riders’ Champion Ricky Ashworth.The ex-Sheffield captain is joined by fellow newcomers Steve Boxall from Rye House, Brent Werner following time out of the sport, and Australian James Holder who rode for the Devils’ West Country rivals Somerset in 2011.They join skipper Ben Barker and reserve James Cockle who have been retained from last year’s line-up, whilst young Dane Nicki Glanz is also making a return to the St Boniface Arena having previously represented the Devils in the National League.
KING’S Lynn are set to feature as a key part of the ‘No Brakes, No Fear’ documentary to be broadcast on Radio 4 this Friday at 11am.The documentary was produced during the Stars’ first season back in the Elite League last year, and features many of the riders and backroom staff as well as an insight into the life of former Lynn rider Michael Lee.Promoter Keith Chapman said: “The half hour documentary is a fascinating insight into what goes on during a race day at King’s Lynn well as getting an insight into the thoughts and feelings of some of the world’s top riders.“(Producer) Alan Hall has done a fantastic job and we hope he is commissioned to produce a second one as a result of the professionalism and popularity of this one.”
BUXTON have signed 15-year-old Cheshire-based rider Michael Neale for his debut season in the National League.Neale, who turns 15 today (Thursday), finished fourth in last year’s British Under-16 Championship, and has already practiced on several occasions at the Hi-Edge Raceway.Buxton chief Jayne Moss said: “There is no pressure from our part and we will be doing everything we can to help him as he looks to progress his career. Although he has put in the time doing second halves at various tracks across the North of the country he realises there is a big difference between those and regular NL racing.“He has the backing of his dad, Stuart along with some sponsors and one thing he is not short of is a desire to do well.”
TELFORD’S last ever indoor ice event will feature the top six from the 2011 British Open.Reigning champion Tony Atkin, who romped to the title with a 15 point maximum, will defend his crown at the Shropshire venue on Sunday, February 26 – and will come up against fellow rostrum finishers Martin Smolinski and Aidan Collins, as well as indoor specialists David Howe, Edward Kennett and Hynek Stichauer.Promoter Graham Drury said: “The general feeling around last year’s show was that it was one of the best in the history of the Telford ice meetings.“For that reason we have decided to bring back the entertainers, the guys who put on such a great show for us last year and the top six from the British Open all readily agreed to come back.”
