NEXT month's Ben Fund Bonanza at the Abbey Stadium, the curtain raiser to the new speedway season, will take the form of an international four-team tournament, it was announced today.

The event, on Sunday, March 8 (3pm) will also include an individual competition for the annual Ben Fund Trophy, currently held by Craig Cook.

In the team event, England will be one of the competing nations but the visa row which affects work permit riders has held up the identification of the other sides.

Berwick’s Ben Barker, the only rider to have competed in all six of the Ben Fund Bonanza meetings so far and the winner at Birmingham in 2012, is expectedto take part.

Admission prices have been announced for what will be the opening meeting of the new British season, with the cost being £16 (adults), £14 (concessions), £10 for children 10-15 and younger children free.

There are hospitality sponsorship packages available, contact sponsorship manager Julie Reading on 07931 318401 for details.

There will be a good turnout of our paraplegic riders with Garry Stead, Pip Lamb, Lawrence Hare, Graham Miles and Steve Weatherly amongst those like to be in attendance.