Edinburgh Monarchs’ new No 1, Dan Thompson, admitted it was a perfect start to the season by winning the star-studded Ben Fund Bonanza.
The 21-year-old outgunned Glasgow Tigers’ debutant Danish racer, Kevin Juhl Pedersen, and Berwick Bandits star, Peter Kildemand, to take the title at Ashfield with Monarchs’ Aussie rider, Justin Sedgmen, fourth.
Nuneaton-based Thompson made the switch from Glasgow to Edinburgh during the close season and was outstanding, winning four out of his six races.
He admitted: “I’m now at No 1 at Edinburgh so it was important for me to show I can beat other No 1s.”
Thompson, who also rides for Leicester Lions in the Premiership, added: “I had a good race with Chris Harris and managed to beat him, but I know he wasn’t on his usual Glasgow engine so he’ll probably get me next time.
“All-in-all, it’s nice to begin the season with a strong performance and win.”
Glasgow’s new Dane Juhl Pedersen delivered an impressive first display in the UK, claiming ten points in the qualifying heats and Thompson needed to squeeze past him to win the final.
SCORES: Justin Sedgmen 12, Peter Kildemand 12, Leon Flint 12, Dan Thompson 11, Kevin Juhl Pedersen 10, Danny King 9, Kyle Howarth 8, Ben Barker 8, Chris Harris 7, Kye Thomson 7, Tom Brennan 6, Jason Edwards 6, Victor Palovaara 5, Sam Hagon 4, Tate Zischke 2, Reid Battye 0, Ace Pijper (res) 0.
SEMI-FINAL: Thompson, Juhl Pedersen, King, Flint.
FINAL: Thompson, Juhl Pedersen, Kildemand, Sedgmen.
PODIUM PARTY: Dan Thompson on top of the pile at Ashfield. Picture courtesy of Glasgow Tigers and taken by Taylor Lanning
