HOMETOWN hero Kyle Newman is targeting a contract on the continent in order to build on his rip-roaring season for Poole Pirates.

The 22-year-old, who was last week voted rider of the year by the Wimborne Road faithful, shot to stardom courtesy of fine form at reserve for the 2014 Elite League champions.

Pirates’ second-highest scorer both home and away, Newman racked up 288 points from 157 rides in 32 meetings, taking 53 chequered flags and outperforming several second stringers in his first full season in the top flight.

Buoyed by the championship medal and sack of plaudits, the Poole-born charger now wants to chance his arm on the European circuit as he looks to turn his dream of Grand Prix stardom into a reality.

Newman, who has provisionally agreed to continue riding for Premier League Plymouth Devils in 2015, told the Daily Echo: “Ideally I would like to take on a slightly new challenge on top of hopefully riding in the Elite League, something a little tougher.

“I want to test myself in a third league abroad but where that might be, I don’t know at the moment. We have some good contacts and are trying to sort something out. Matt (Ford, Poole promoter) has offered his help if we need it as well.

“Unfortunately, you cannot reach the top by riding British speedway alone and I would be foolish to think I could.

“European leagues and different tracks will help my progress and that is what need now. I might not be ready for the top level just yet but I know I can do a job just under that and it will help me to improve.

“I have had a great season, it has been beyond my wildest dreams but I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be. The hard work starts now.

“We want to take bigger and better steps forward with machinery, fitness, preparation and professionalism. That is what it will take to reach my ultimate goal which is to one day ride in the Grand Prix.”

Meanwhile, Newman revealed his delight at scooping the top gong at Poole’s awards ceremony.

“It doesn’t get better than winning rider of the year in a title-winning season with your hometown club,” he added.

“The thought of being Poole rider of the year, even two or three years ago, would have been unthinkable. To do it in my first full year is awesome and I cannot stress how much of an honour this is for me.

“I could not have done it without the support of my family, friends and sponsors and the fans have been so good to me. I really do appreciate the support I get and it gives me an extra incentive to make all of those people proud.”