PRELIMINARY talks have been held between Ellis Perks and members of management at Swindon Robins, with the club understandably keen to secure the youngster’s services for next season.
Perks signed for the Robins in May following team manager Alun Rossiter’s decision to drop reserve James Shanes from his roster with little over six weeks of the season completed.
The Worcester-born rider’s on-track performances won over supporters – Perks’ contributions at the bottom of the oder matched the efforts of his in-form team-mates as Swindon claimed an SGB Premiership and Supporters’ Cup double for the first time in the club’s 70-year history.
Talks are yet to enter the negotiation phase, but the Robins have outlined their interest in retaining the 22-year-old for next season amid interest from other British clubs.
“I definitely want to be back at Swindon,” said Perks.
“I have already spoken to Swindon about next season. Hopefully there is something in the pipeline for next year.
“We had a fantastic season, and it would be great to be back there.
“Obviously, no one knows what is going to happen at the AGM. But when clubs have already started to message me asking what I’m up to, you feel your luck has turned.”
On Monday night, the former Wolverhampton Wolves racer made British speedway history when he became the first rider to win all three leagues in the same season.
After winning the Premiership with Swindon, Perks produced a title-winning ride in the penultimate race of Leicester Lions’ two-legged Championship play-off final tie against Glasgow Tigers – securing the Lions’ first major honour in seven years.
He then bagged the National League title with Leicester Lion Cubs – who beat Kent Kings 74-106 in the bottom tier’s play-off final.
Perks’ 12+2 haul at Sittingbourne in Monday’s final is likely to be his last National League points return.
Keen to progress next season, the triple champion wants to focus on commitments in the Premiership and Championship only next season – in the UK that is.
Perks added: “I said to myself three seasons ago that I was done with the National League.
“I only raced in the National League this year because I thought the extra track time at Leicester would help – and it did.
“Having an average greater than 10 makes it difficult for the future, though, so we want to move on.
“To pull the treble off is an amazing achievement and an honour.”
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