SIDELINED Max Perry has been given a major boost as he plans for next season. The 18-year-old Leicester Lion Cubs star is the second winner of the World Speedway Riders’ Association National Development League Rider of the Month.
Sidelined Max Perry has been given a major boost as he plans for next season.
The 18-year-old Leicester Lion Cubs star is the second winner of the World Speedway Riders’ Association National Development League Rider of the Month.
Perry, who has also been doubling up with Championship title-chasers Glasgow is out for the rest of the season with fifth-degree burns to his hand after crashed while riding for the Tigers against Edinburgh
The teenager admits he is thankful to the WSRA for running the unique competition for members racing in the NDL.
Perry said: “I think it is a really good idea to have a Rider of the Month initiative because it’s going to help riders all across the National Development League whether they’re towards the top or lower end.
“I really appreciate winning this award because I really didn’t expect to win, but speedway equipment isn’t cheap so I feel very grateful to have two brand new silencers so I definitely think that will help me out for the 2026 race season.
“It’s really good that the WSRA are supporting us in the NDL because we have a great bunch of young riders coming up through the league.”
The Hungerford-born racer admits he is glad that he became a member of the WSRA.
He added: “I know a bit about the WSRA – they help injured riders and they help youngsters like me by sponsoring the NDL, but the new monthly award is really good because speedway is an expensive so winning equipment like silencers is really helpful.
“The social side of the sport is still important so being able to see my friends makes the sport fun. Obviously, when you’re racing it’s about getting your head down beating your opponents but off track, we are all mates, so it is always nice to keep in touch with them.
“In the winter time some of the lads will do motocross or race pit bikes which is a nice way to keep in touch with each other.
“I am very thankful for the WSRA and I am really glad that I signed up to become a member because I definitely didn’t think that I’d be winning those silencers, so I just want to say a very big thank you to them.”
As well as his NDL commitments with Leicester, the young Brit revealed how supportive his Championship club Glasgow have been this year.
Perry commented: “I didn’t have the best season in 2024, but this season I definitely think I have really come on and Glasgow have really helped me out with that because the fans have been really supportive and the club allow me to use the track whenever I need to. I have definitely progressed this year which is good.”
Any NDL rider wanting to join the WSRA should contact Graham Darling on 07737 440296 to have the chance to win one of the draws in September or October which is only open to NDL WSRA members.
PHOTO: TAYLOR LANNING