WEYMOUTH Wildcats’ mascot Sam Peters claimed a second-placed finish at a youth ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ event in Berwick.

Peters, 14, rode in the youth 250cc division and claimed second up against Sam Hagon, who finished first, Cooper Henderson and Josh McPherson.

Martin Peters, co-promoter for the Wildcats, was full of praise for his son’s efforts in the event.

Peters said: “It was really good.

“It was a long way to go to Berwick.

“It was worthwhile in the end, he rode quite well especially in the final, he probably did his best race in the final. So it was good.

“I think it will give him more confidence that he can beat some of the other riders.”

Peters Snr acknowledged the relative lack of riders in the race but pointed out he still had to beat two of them and hopes it can prove to be a confidence boost for his son.

He said: “There was only four of them but he still beat the other two.

“So I am hoping he has got a bit more confidence and everyone is saying he looks faster that what he has, he is improving so he just needs to keep pushing himself and then he will be alright.”

Peters emphasised that he has seen him progress and has started looking ahead to when he makes the jump up to 500cc bikes.

Peters said: “He has definitely got better, and that is what we expect really, is progression and I think he has definitely progressed. He rides really well in practice over in Somerset he just needs to take that confidence and go as fast as what he does there everywhere else.

“I think he will be really getting there and ready to really attack the 500s.”

“That is probably going to come sooner rather than later (referring to the jump up to 500s) but we will still keep the 250 for a little bit just to make sure he is still comfortable in what he is doing.

“If it does not feel comfortable we will go down to the 250 and stay there for another year if he really needs to but we will see how he feels.”

Peters spoke of the pride he felt at seeing his son do so well and is looking ahead to when he turns 15 which will allow him to ride in the Southern Development League, where Weymouth currently ride.

Peters said: “I was pretty proud of him and pleased for him because he really wanted to do well and he wants to win trophies and to do well and he managed it. It is a proud moment really, I know there were only four riders there but he still had to get where he did.

“He turns 15 at the end of March next year and that allows him to ride in the SDL.

“His aim is to go as high in the league as he can but obviously that would be a stepping stone to start with.

“We will see where he goes from there, as long as he keeps progressing and pushing himself he will get there. He has got the determination to do it.”