The much awaited Magnus Karlsson Testimonial Meeting, which will launch the new season at the Beaumont Park Stadium, is quickly building into a unique occasion.
Last week Peter and Mikael confirmed their availability to race in the meeting to honour their younger sibling’s ten years’ service to British Speedway and now the line-up is further enhanced with the news that the Bjerre brothers, Kenneth and Lasse, have both accepted an invite to race.
Their inclusion will add another dimension to a meeting that is growing in stature week by week as Kenneth is in the top echelon of the very best riders in the world. A regular competitor in the Speedway Grand Prix series since 2004, Kenneth finished seventh overall in last season’s competition. Kenneth Bjerre is back at Peterborough this year and very happy to be doing his bit for Magnus. “Magnus has been in speedway for years, though we haven’t ridden together, but my brother will be racing with Magnus at Leicester. Lasse had a good season last year so I think he will do well again. He’s only 18 so it’s too early to say what he can do. I’ve not ridden at Leicester before so I am looking forward to it and I hope it is a good night for Magnus” stated Kenneth.
For his younger brother Lasse, the testimonial meeting will signal the first time the rider will appear on his home track since signing for Leicester during the winter.
With Freddie Lindgren another Speedway Grand Prix star already a confirmed starter, the family theme of speedway racing brothers is gathering pace, as his younger brother Ludvig will be joining the gala evening. The Newcastle rider made one appearance at Leicester last season, scoring seven points in the Pride of the Midlands meeting.
As part of the build-up for his meeting Magnus has been pleased to accept an invitation to join the field for the last-ever Telford Ice meeting on 26th February. “I thought it would be a good idea,” said Magnus. “I’ve never ridden on ice before except for many years ago on a lake back home. Graham Drury has very kindly offered me a stall for my Testimonial at Telford so I will be there to meet people and sign autographs before the meetings, before I go out to race. I’ll be coming over on the day and I think it will be fun!”
Leicester fans will now have two riders to cheer on at Telford as Magnus now joins Jan Graversen who accepted an earlier invitation to ride.
