NEW Stoke Potters recruit Ricky Wells is hoping to make his debut season in the Premier League a memorable one.

The New Zealand-born American had hoped to join the Eazy Rider Potters last year, but his starting average was too rich for Stoke.

The Coventry asset explained: "It had been hoped I could come in on a New Zealand average, but in the end it was deemed I hadn't done enough State Championship finishes, so I would have to come in on my American starting average of eight, and Stoke couldn't manage that.

"So I went straight in to the Elite League with Coventry, and although the experience of rubbing shoulders with so many top guys was great, it was a tough, tough baptism in British speedway.

"I had quite a few meetings where I hardly scored and it was a bit demoralising. But I got through it and definitely improved as the season went on.

"Being able to join Stoke for this season is great from my point of view. I enjoy the track and it's only an hour from where I live, so it will be ideal from that point of view.

"More than that though, racing in the Premier League for the first time means I'll get to go to so many new tracks and that gives me a real buzz.

"I think my machinery will be up to it, although I know only too well the Premier League is no easy option.

"I need to improve my gating and hit those first turns hard if I am going to make any headway this season, but I am really looking forward to it."

Wells, the reigning US national champion, is one of five new faces who will be racing at Loomer Road this year.

Only Klaus Jakobsen and Jason Bunyan remain from the 2009 team with Taylor Poole, James Holder, Hynek Stichauer and Michal Rajkowski joining Wells in making their Potters debuts in 2010.

Wells has been racing in New Zealand, but has headed back.

He added: "My plan is to have a couple of weeks back home and then come over at the beginning of March. That should give me plenty of time to get everything sorted before our first meeting at Birmingham on March 17."