PURTON’S Darryl Ritchings is looking forward to being able to make his mark at one of his favourite tracks after signing for King’s Lynn for next season.

The teenage Swindon asset will ride for the National League Young Stars at the Norfolk Arena in 2014 having ridden for the Isle of Wight in 2013 and Dudley the previous season.

Ritchings was keen for a return to the Islanders but with the Smallbrook club suffering financial problems and not yet confirmed starters for the new season, Ritchings is just happy to have been fixed up for 2014.

“I’m really pleased about the move because it’s a really good club and one of my favourite tracks, and I’m really looking forward to riding there next season,” he said.

“I spoke to the people at the Isle of Wight and they told me things aren’t looking very positive there and if any team came along and offered a team place not to hold back and take it.

“That’s what I’ve done and I can’t wait to get started.

The also puts Ritchings in the shop window to get some Elite League meetings with the main Stars side if either Lewis Kerr or Lewis Rose pick up any injuries, which is something the Purton racer is encouraged by after missing out in last month’s draft.

He said: “They mentioned about that (the possibility of Elite League meetings) when I signed there and if that could happen it would be brilliant.”

Young Stars team manager Dale Allitt believes Ritchings fits the bill at the Norfolk Arena: “Darryl is the type of rider we want at the club, he is young and ambitious. He will fit in well with what we are trying to do.”

Ritchings is continuing his recovery from the broken ankle which ended his season and is sure he will be back before the start of the new campaign.

“I’m in the gym most days now and I’m wearing one of those protective boots which is helping things,” he said.

“Hopefully by January or February I will be back on the bike which will give me plenty of time to be ready for the new season.”