TOMMY Bridewell is savouring a chance to take on some of the world’s best riders on home soil after earning a wildcard entry into the next round of World Superbike Championship at Silverstone.

The 21-year-old, from Etchilhampton, will race at the Northamptonshire circuit on August 1 in the series once dominated by the likes of Britons Carl Fogarty and James Toseland.

And he is looking forward to testing himself on the big stage again, after one previous outing as a wild card at Portimao, Portugal in 2008.

“A lot of the guys from the team (Quay Garage Honda) were saying that it would be nice to try and have a go, so we spoke to people from the federation and it all went from there,” said the British Superbike ace.

“It will be good because it’s a home race in World Superbike, people are so friendly in the paddock.

“It’ll be hard work because they’re good riders but I think that the real difference is in the bikes – I don’t think they’re a great deal better than I am.

“Hopefully, I can surprise a few people and I’m looking forward to having a bit of a battle with some of the big dogs.”

With the entry fee costing £7,200 for the round, Bridewell has been dedicating his time to raising the money to compete.

“I’ve raised a bit through sponsors but anything I can get would be a bonus,” he said.

“I’m looking for about 14 sponsors, who can donate about £500, which is easier to afford.

“I haven’t had to sell too many of my toys – but I did have to sell my jetski and put that towards the fee.”

Bridewell remains 11th in the British Superbikes Championship standings after a mixed weekend at Snetterton.

After a crash in free practice, the Quay Garage rider clinched 10th and sixth-placed finishes in the first two races before an electrical fault sidelined his bike in the third race on Sunday.