PETERBOROUGH specialist Ryan Douglas raced to victory in the Ben Fund Bonanza with a stunning display.
Aussie ace Douglas, so often a thorn in Panthers’ side as a visiting rider, was in sizzling form in front of a good crowd to raise vital finds for the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund in aid of injured and disabled riders.
The Wolverhampton man carded 14-points after his five outings to go straight into the five-man final – two ahead of Ben Barker and Tom Brennan.
Richard Lawson won the last chance race-off to make the final and he was joined by Sam Masters who worked hard to edge out Danny King for second.
And in the all-important final Douglas made a dream start from the inside gate to lead from start to finish with Masters coming through to take the runners-up spot.
A jubilant Douglas said: “It was a great feeling to win here. The bikes felt quick during the qualifying heats and I knew choosing gate 1 in the final was going to be so important with the way the track was.
“I knew if I made the start in the final and got my nose in front I would be able to hold on for the win.
“It was great to see such a big turn out here today for such a worthy cause and I’m proud to have won the meeting.”
Scott Nicholls was the top Crendon Panthers rider on the day with eight, Ulrich Ostergaard notched seven and new signing Ben Basso scored five.
All seven Peterborough riders will be on hand at the track today for their press and practice session.
They will meet the media from 11.30 for interviews and photo opportunities, followed by track action at 2pm.
And fans will have the opportunity to meet the riders when they attend an evening event hosted by the Supporters Club on Monday night at the Post Office Club – doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start with admission on the door.
SCORES: Ryan Douglas 14, Ben Barker 12, Tom Brennan 12, Danny King 10, Sam Masters 9, Richard Lawson 9, Scott Nicholls 8, Ulrich Ostergaard 7, Steve Worrall 6, Simon Lambert 6, Lewis Kerr 6, Benjamin Basso 5, Jordan Palin (res) 5, Nick Morris 4, Leon Flint (res) 3, Paul Starke 2, Josh Auty 1, James Sarjeant 1.
FINAL: 1 Ryan Douglas (Wolverhampton/Scunthorpe) 2 Sam Masters (Wolverhampton/Edinburgh) 3 Richard Lawson (King’s Lynn/Poole) 4 Ben Barker (Plymouth) 5 Tom Brennan (Belle Vue/Glasgow)