D. J. Perry, of Arlington, finished in the top three in the Novice Sophomore Men’s division at a regional meet in Waco on May 24, skating for DFW Speed. That qualifies D.J. to advance to the 2008 National Championship meet in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 13-19.

D. J. has had a very good racing season. Last April he demonstrated his stamina and endurance when he rolled in the Texas Road Rash, an event that attracted skaters from all over the country, both pro and non-pro.  D. J., skating as a non-pro beat out 12 other skaters to win the elimination race, popularly called the “Last Man Out Race” because the final skater to cross the line on each lap is eliminated until only three skaters remain on the track. The skaters raced 11 laps on a track that was 0.6 mile long.

Then, D. J. was one of more than 200 skaters who competed in the Texas Road Rash 28.6 mile outdoor marathon. He placed second in his age group of 13 to 17 year olds, racing as a non-pro. D. J. finished the 28.6 miles in one hour and 32 minutes.

Members of DFW Speed train at the Texas Skatium in Garland, Holiday Skatium in Haltom City, and the Arlington Skatium in Arlington. DFW Speed is coached by Ricky Brock of Haltom City, Bill Hubacek of Ennis, and Todd Hackney of Arlington. Races are sanctioned by USARS

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