PIRATES favourite Kyle Newman believes his upcoming stint in Polish speedway will provide the acid test for his burgeoning talent.

The 23-year-old will ride for newly-promoted second-tier side ZKS Ostrovia in 2015 alongside his commitments with Poole and Premier League Plymouth.

Having been named rider of the year in Pirates’ title-winning campaign last year, Newman is keen to push on in the shale sport and admits he is relishing the task ahead.

Newman told the Daily Echo: “Without being disrespectful to British speedway, if you want to make it to the top, Poland is one of the places to be because the calibre of rider is a lot higher across the team.

“A few people told me to go into the division below because they said it would be easier and I would score more points. But anyone who knows me knows that I don’t take the easy route.

“It will either show I’m good enough or I’m not. I’ve wanted to go over there for a few years and while I possibly wasn’t ready in the past, I feel confident I can go over there and do a good job.”

Newman was Pirates' second-highest scorer home and away last year, racking up 288 points from 157 rides as he proved himself a deadly operator at reserve.

And while the Poole-born charger acknowledges that his continental plunge will be a huge step up, he insists he welcomes the substantial test.

“There are guys over there that you’ve never even heard of that beat the top riders,” said Newman.

“Those are the guys I’m going to be racing against. If I can get to a level with them and start beating them, then I’ll be very happy.

“The league is supposedly the equivalent to the Premier League but the likes of Scott Nicholls and Bjarne Pedersen have ridden in it.

“I like to take on challenges and this will bring me on, which can only help me when I ride for Poole and Plymouth.

“I’ve looked at every aspect of my racing over the winter and have spoken to various people in order to learn what I need to do to succeed.

“I think I’m at a good level at the moment. I feel confident that what I’m doing can help me achieve my goals.”