DAWID Stachyra is determined to erase the painful memory of his Belle Vue nightmare – by enjoying a dream debut year with Pirates.

The Polish rider makes his Elite League return with Poole this year after giving British racing a miss following his troubled time with the Aces.

Stachyra, who has joined Pirates on a 4.16 average, resigned from Belle Vue after enduring a difficult spell with the club during 2011.

However, the 27-year-old is desperate to make his mark at Wimborne Road and believes he can help Pirates top the table.

Speaking at Pirates’ press and practice day, Stachyra said: “I have to say that my adventure with Belle Vue was a huge mistake. It was my mistake. Now, I am really happy that I am with this team.

“I like this track, we have got a really good team and I think we can make the top of the league.

“I am from Poland so I like bigger tracks but the smaller tracks are not a problem for me.

“I know this is the best club in England and my aim is to do my best and stay at Poole for a long time.”

Stachyra enjoyed a fine season in Poland in 2012 and Pirates promoter Matt Ford is confident his new recruit can deliver.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “This is far more his type of track.

“Dawid had an excellent year last season in Poland and is clearly a much better rider than he has showed in Britain before.

“I think all of the riders, in particular the Poles, will shine.

“It is great that the Poles can help each other and I am sure they will.”

As well as compatriot Robert Miskowiak, Stachyra is also joined in Dorset by Pirates’ third Polish race ace in the shape of Maciej Janowski.

Former world under-21 champion Janowski, 21, said: “The people in the team are awesome and I can’t wait to start the season and see what happens.”

New-look Pirates begin their 2013 campaign against reigning league champions Swindon tonight (7.30pm).

Poole travel to face their rivals in Wiltshire in the Elite Shield first leg, with the return fixture at Wimborne Road tomorrow (noon).

Pirates team boss Neil Middleditch said: “They have got a very good line-up once again.

“We have changed ours quite considerably from last season so it will be interesting to see what happens.

“Swindon are very good at home. All the riders are very capable of riding there and they have a lot of experience of riding away from home.

“They are going to be a force to be reckoned with – that’s for sure.

“I think we have got good strength in depth and we have the experience and youth. The team looks good and I am pleased with it.”