Dudley Heathens teenage star Tom Perry was left incredibly pleased last night having finished as a shock runner-up in the British Under 21 Championship at his home Monmore Green track in front of the vocal Heathens fans. Speaking after his rostrum finish, the Wolverhampton youngster said “I’m delighted, especially in front of my home fans. Dudley are brilliant and I would’t change my team at all. They follow us in numbers home and away, and they are just incredible. I came here not even thinking I would make the final to be honest, so I am really happy”.

Even Perry admitted to being shocked at his incredible performance on what he had previously said would be the biggest night of his career. “This is a massive surprise even for me. When I spoke before the meeting to my mechanics and my family I said I would be happy if I made the semi-finals, so to get a place on the rostrum is amazing”.

Now, Perry goes on to the World Under 21′s Championship Qualifiers, and he is relishing the opportunity to compete on the world stage. “I get the chance to ride in the World Under 21 Qualifiers after this. I am riding in Holland on the 19th May and then I have got a  longtrack meeting on the 20th so its going to be a busy week for me”.

As well as competing for Dudley, Perry is also lining up at reserve for Somerset in the Premier League, and he is now looking ahead and hoping this result can give him a confidence boost. “Now I am just looking to try and challenge Adam (Roynon) and Ashley (Morris) for the number 5 spot and up my average a bit and hopefully up my average for Somerset in the Premier League”.