FROM Droitwich to Leicester via Australia ­— and Worcester-born Ellis Perks is still racking up the miles to chase glory on a motorbike with no brakes.

Perks, 22, has spent some 16 of those tender years fascinated by the thrill of tearing up tracks on motorbikes, beginning at Worcester Grasstrack Club on a mini 50cc machine.

Emigration at the age of 10 saw him pick up a speedway bike and a distinct Aussie twang ahead of heading back to Old Blighty to take up a family tradition.

Dad Robbie Perks loved speedway so much he took up refereeing with uncle Dave Perks the archetypal local boy done good with the internationally-renowned Cradley Heathens during the 1970s and early 80s.

Since hitting the shale with Scunthorpe’s second team back in 2014 there have been plenty of pitstops ­— and even a few pitfalls ­— for Ellis but this season seems set to be his best yet.

Perks has just become the only UK rider to have a job in the Premiership, Championship and National League having been picked up by Swindon in the top tier on the back of impressive shows for Leicester’s senior and second teams.

“It is very different from any other motor sport and so intense,” explained Perks.

“The races are over in 60 seconds so it is crucial to make starts on the bikes, which are 500cc with no brakes.

“It is an adrenaline-filled sport with a lot of travelling involved and takes a lot of commitment, you cannot be half-hearted.

“We race dangerous machines but it is a great buzz, especially when your team is winning.

“It was in the family and got passed on. I started racing Pee Wee 50s when I was six years old over here on the Worcester grass track.

“My parents ran the grass track racing for a couple of years too, there was a lot of involvement for us there and it holds many happy memories for me.

“I learned my trade for a few years in Australia after my family moved out there before coming back to the UK.

“I was scouted during my first year and then rode for Cradley myself. It has been in my life since before I can remember and is all I know.

“It is the best sport in the world when things are going well and the worst when everything goes wrong.

“It can be absolutely ruthless. If you are not scoring you can get replaced or you can wreck your bike through no fault of your own.

“If someone takes you off it can cost thousands of pounds to put right and there is no hanging around because you are probably riding the next day.

“That said, I have raced in all three leagues before and am again now. I have had a great time at all the clubs I have raced for and picked up a lot of achievements along the way.”

Based on his growing average of 9.06, Perks is the third-best rider in the National League (third tier) and quickly working his way to the top.

Those bumper scores have been repeated in the Championship, his reserve berth enabling bosses to put Perks forward for up to three extra rides per meeting.

In his latest second-tier outing Perks was handed a packed schedule, his 15-point return inspiring a 58-32 demolition of Birmingham.

Five and then two for Swindon in Bank Holiday Monday’s double-header against Poole might not look as impressive but represented a solid return in tough debut outings against the reigning champions.

The Robins role also gives Perks the chance to further his personal ambitions under the watchful eye of Alun Rossiter, team boss of Great Britain as well as Swindon.

“I have a great opportunity riding for the Cubs and Lions at Leicester and it was definitely always my aim to get back into the Premiership ­— it is the best league here and I want to be going up against the best,” added Perks.

“Some silverware with Leicester would be good, we have got off to a good start and believe we can win the league at both levels as well as pushing for honours with Swindon.

“On a personal front it would be great to make my first British Final (the UK’s individual championship) this year.

"That’s something I haven’t done before and hopefully I can get to represent my country again because that’s the pinnacle of the sport.”

Pushing for those goals comes at a price though.

“It is an expensive sport,” said Perks.

“To do a season in British speedway probably costs me close to £50,000 so sponsorship is important, it is the only way we survive.

“I would like to thank everyone who already helps me and am keen to hear from any companies or people looking to get involved.

“There are a lot of packages which includes coming along to events and seeing a really exciting sport close up for themselves.”

Perks can be contacted via email at ellisperks42@hotmail.com.