THE ferocious, high-octane track that is Premier League Speedway beckons for local man Sam Chapman.

The 25 year old from Otterham, made the switch to speedway racing last year, with his passion to earn a living riding bikes drawing him to the sport following previous years in motocross.

Following in his father's footsteps, Sam's love for bikes started when he was just four years old when he got his first Yamaha PW50.

The future looked bright even at that early stage as he went on to win the South West and Cornish Motocross Championships in most age classes, going on to race in the British Youth Motocross Championship where he finished an impressive sixth.

Sam then made the switch to ride for bike manufacturer KTM UK in the British Supermoto Championship for 14 to 16 year olds in which he finished third before competing for a further two seasons in the 450 class. Eventually returning to motocross, Sam suffered an injury-plagued period that saw him having both knees reconstructed.

Recovered and raring to get back to the track, he spent a couple of years racing in the South West Motocross Championship before making the switch to speedway just last year.

Speaking of his switch, Sam said: "I wish I switched to speedway years ago, the closeness of the racing is the best adrenaline rush — banging elbows with other riders whilst racing 75 horse-power bikes with no brakes or gearbox!"

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.