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A DREAM final which saw current world champion Jason Crump pitted against three-time world title holder Nicki Pedersen was just what the thousands of speedway fans from all over the country packed into Rye House’ compact track had wanted to see - and that’s exactly what they got as Sunday’s Ben Fund Bonanza drew to its spectacular conclusion.
Also making it through to the final showdown were dark horse Krzysztof Kasprzak of Lakeside and Poland, and Swedish international and Grand Prix star Freddie Lindgren.
Pedersen, unbeaten in his four races, made the perfect start , leaving a strangely subdued Crump, who had been a class apart on his was to an 11-point tally, trailing at the rear, with the Pole second and Lindgren third.
After punching the air in triumph and picking up the Ben Fund Bonanza Trophy, Pedersen revealed he had almost called it a day after crashing in his first race.
He came a cropper in a thrilling opening heat, which saw Australian Leigh Adams chase him a bit too hard coming out of the final bend of the final lap.
“It’s never nice to crash but these things happen in speedway. My bum hurt a lot after the spill, but I didn’t want to let down the fans.
”I couldn’t ask for more than to win. I’m very glad I won.”
The local residents probably didn’t know what had hit them as gridlock formed around nearby roads as a record crowd descended onto Rye House, but they can take solace in the fact that all the fuss was a for a very good cause.
The charity assists riders who have been seriously injured as a result of accidents whilst racing for British-based teams. During the last two years the Fund has helped over 80 riders and has given more than £100,000 of assistance.
It was humbling to see – and a real reminder of the dangers of the sport – several wheelchair-bound former riders, including Garry Stead, take their place by the star-studded international line-up as special guests for the day.
While only a handful of races provided breathtaking passes, perhaps because many of the riders were still rusty after a long winter’s hibernation, there were still a number worthy of such a high-class field.
A sensational Heat 10 saw the otherwise lackluster GB international Scott Nicholls snap at Niels-Kristian Iversen’s back wheel and overtake him at the chequered flag, and just two heats later give Crump a run for his money, although the Aussie prevailed after a fine battle.
Heat 15 was another classic with Freddie Lindgren and Steve Johnston going toe-to-toe, with the latter just sneaking victory.
The highlight of the entire meeting came in Heat 17 which saw the three previously unbeaten riders – Crump, Pedersen and former Rocket Edward Kennett cross swords. Pedersen just got the better of Crump, while Kennett was forced to lay down his bike coming out of the pits bend on the final lap to avoid faller Iversen.
There was some joy for Rye House fans as skipper Chris Neath, who finished with a very respectable seven-point tally, was the only Premier League rider to make it into the semi-final. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he was beaten into second by Lindgren, with just the winner progressing.
Lindgren said afterwards: “This was the first meet for all of us so we were a bit nervous, but everything went okay.”
Ben Fund Bonanza organizer Paul Ackroyd said: “It’s been a good day’s racing and I’m absolutely delighted with the turnout. I’m sure everyone’s enjoyed it.”
Individual scores: Tai Woffinden 4; Jason Crump 11; Steve Johnston 7; Adam Shields 3; Filip Sitera 4; Leigh Adams 4; Chris Neath 7; Viktor Bergstrom 1; Neils-Kristian Iversen 5; Ben Barker 7; Nicki Pedersen 12; Rory Schlein 6; Scott Nicholls 5; Criag Watson 3; Kevin Doolan 4; Daniel King 6; Tomas Topinka 0; Edward Kennett 10; Freddie Lindgren 10; Krzysztof Kasprzak 11.
Semi final: 1. Lindgren; 2. Neath; 3 Kennett; 4. Barker.
