Dudley Heathens Speedway: TOM PERRY

TOM PERRY

DATE OF BIRTH: 22 February 1993, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

BRITISH CAREER: (2010) Dudley.

WEBSITE: http://www.tpr17.co.uk

ADDITIONAL INFO: Perry began racing on the grass-track scene when aged just 6 and, four years later, first rode a speedway bike in 2003.

He has enjoyed many club meeting victories on the grass, with an early career highlight being crowned British 125cc Youth Champion in 2006. However, he really came on in leaps and bounds in 2009, recording second and third-place finishes in the British Championship at 250cc and 350cc levels, respectively.

He also claimed fourth position in the British Under-21 Championship and, at 16 years-of-age, became the youngest ever rider to appear in the 500cc British Championship, having won the qualifier. The West Midlander went on to finish a remarkable fifth in the big event, beating ex-winners Glen Phillips and Paul Hurry.

The year also saw him make his debut abroad when, in France in August, he competed against some of the best long-track riders in the world, eventually finishing a quite brilliant third, behind Theo Pijper and Stephane Trésarrieu.

The Wolverhampton-born racer turned 17 in February 2010 and, shortly afterwards, was handed his initial team berth in speedway when Dudley confirmed his signing for their first season of National League participation.