Perks targeting title as playoffs edge nearer

ELLIS PERKS is targeting title triumph with the Swindon Robins stating that the Robins can go all the way this year as they travel to face play-off rivals the Ipswich Witches in tonight’s round of Premiership speedway fixtures. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the thoughts of the Swindon reserve heading into the upcoming meeting.

Three back-to-back home victories have seen the Swindon Robins firmly stake a claim as title contenders with Alun Rossiter’s side currently sitting at the top of the Premiership table on 42 points. 

And after missing out on the league playoffs last season, Perks insisted that the feel-good factor around the club is helping spurn Swindon towards a third league title.

“There’s a really good atmosphere in the pits and also on track as well,” said Perks. 

“We have a great laugh as well. We have a joke when going around on the team track walking we don’t all take it too seriously.

“Definitely a few more points away would be good,” he added. 

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t get points on the road with the form we’re in.

“We’ve got a strong side and we’re all riding well. 

“We should be able to get a few more points and guarantee our place in the playoffs.

“I don’t see why we can’t go all the way this year,” said Perks.

Having concluded their programmed home meetings with a 65-25 victory over the Peterborough Panthers, tonight’s meeting signals the start of three away league matches that will conclude the seasons meetings before the playoff starts. 

And Perks is confident of kicking things off with a win. 

“That’s it, we’ve done it all before at Ipswich,” said Perks. 

“There’s no reason we can’t go back there again and get the win. 

“We will all stay level-headed, give it our best and hopefully get some league points,” he added.  

Having been drafted into the Robins side mid-way through the season. Perks has endured a mixed 2019. However recent results have seen Perks hit his best form of the season so far, with the 22-year-old insisting that a break in fixtures has allowed him to improve his machinery as the season nears ever closer towards its end. 

"We’ve definitely settled in now and having three home meetings has really helped me,” said Perks. 

“A few weeks ago we were very busy with my schedule and took it out of me and the bikes a bit.

“The schedules now not so busy and I’ve managed to put more time into my equipment and get some more sleep behind me. 

“It’s all working well now,” Perks added. 

Having bagged high-point scores in his last few meetings, Perks is establishing himself as one of the top reserves in British speedway. But whilst delighted with his performances, Perks explained how the support of his teammates is the real reason behind an upturn in form.

“It’s been massive [support from teammates] and the improvement that I’ve made this season has been huge,” said Perks. 

“A lot of that has been down to joining Swindon and riding in the top league of British Speedway. 

“It’s great to be riding amongst a great calibre of riders and that’s helped me a lot. 

“I’ve got a good understanding with Batch [Troy Batchelor] on and off the track and he’s been helping me a lot with setups and everything,” he added.