NEW Swindon signing Zach Wajtknecht admits he was surprised to be snapped up by Swindon – but has revealed how he’s determined to make the most of the opportunity.

The 18-year-old, who is in just his third year in the sport, will make his top-flight debut with the Robins in the 2017 SGB Premiership.

The Bristol-based racer came on to the scene as part of Birmingham’s National League winning side in 2015 after being discovered in grasstrack racing scene by former British Youth boss Phil Morris.

Wajtknecht hit the ground running instantly and added more than six points to his starting average by the end of the season.

He made a steady start to 2016 as Birmingham’s No.1 and picked up some crucial second-tier experience with Somerset before breaking his fingers in July which would see his campaign end prematurely.

Wajtknecht is desperate to make up for lost time and believes Swindon is the right club for him.

“I’m a little bit surprised they wanted me to be honest but with the rules and the points limit the way it is this year, there was always going to be a few signings like this I guess,” said Wajtknecht.

“Last year things didn’t really work out for me as I’d hoped, mainly because my season was cut short through injury – but that’s only made me even more determined to make up for that time I lost.

“When Swindon got in touch, it was an opportunity too good to turn down and the more I think about it, the more I’m sure that it’s the right club for me to take this next step.

“There’s so many things that make the move feel like it’s the right one and hopefully those things will help me as progress as the year goes on.

“Having Alun (Rossiter) as team manager is a pretty big thing – he also manages Team GB in the World Cup so to have the backing of someone like him means a lot to me.

“I know they’ve been interested for a bit now through Glenn Cunningham and Paul Hurry who I know pretty well and they’ve probably put a good word in for me too.

“I’ve been there for a spin before and I really did love the track so once I’m dialled in properly I think it’s the sort of place I’m going to love racing at week in, week out and the new track should be exciting too.

“It’s obviously going to be a big year learning wise for me again and so to have someone like Jason (Doyle) in the team is going to be huge for someone like me.

“Jason is one of the best riders in the world and being around him on and off track and gaining my own experiences from his experiences should be really good.

“Being in the same team as Adam Ellis again should help me as well. We had a great year together at Birmingham in 2015 and we get on really well.

“I know he’ll be there to help me if ever things aren’t going my way and just having someone you know around you can help you settle in that little bit easier.

“Looking at some of the other line-ups, there are riders there who I know I can beat and it’s all about building up my confidence so that I can go out there and show people what I can do.

“I’ve got some good equipment, I’ve got good people around me too so I just need to believe in myself and give it everything I’ve got.”