Workington Comets skipper Ricky Wells says he is enjoying his speedway as he looks to hold on to the number one spot.

Wells made no secret of his delight at reaching the top spot last season.

And he said keeping the coveted race-jacket is still his personal priority, under heavy competition from Claus Vissing.

Wells said: “It’s been a good season so far and as long as I stay at number one I’ll be happy.

“Claus is the one who’s going to be up there going for the spot but I’m sure I can keep it.

“I’ve had a bit of a nightmare with fixtures, not racing for a while between meetings.

“Overall my home form seems to be going okay but I’ve had a few blips here or there away with trying different stuff.

“I’m used to racing so much after doubling up in the Elite League for the last two years.

“The last few years I’ve been burnt out by August so I shouldn’t have that this season but it would be nice to have at least one meeting a week.

“I’m lucky I have bikes in Denmark so I can go over there to practise and give me something to do.

“I’m enjoying having a little bit more free time.”

Comets are in the mix to make the play-offs after steady results in a stop-start first few months of the campaign.

But Wells believes his side’s troubles on the road are down to many teams upping their game on their home track.

“I think we’re doing okay,” he said.

“We’re still strong at home and it was unfortunate to lose at home to Somerset the other week because we were unbeaten last year.

“Adam’s scoring more points which is good and I think we can make that top six.

“Our team average is quite high which is cool to see because it means everyone’s improving.

“It’s probably more competitive this year but the biggest thing is everyone’s a lot stronger at home.

“There are still a few weaker teams like Redcar and Rye House though, which surprised me.”

The American rider hopes to represent Comets in the Premier League Riders’ Championship and go one better after finishing runner-up to Ulrich Ostergaard last year.

“After I got second last year anything less would feel like I was going backwards,” he said.

“That’s one of the toughest meetings of the year, especially at Sheffield.

“It’s a really strong line-up but if there’s a bit of dirt on the track I’ll be okay.”

And he admitted that, despite being frustrated by the lack of meetings, he has turned down an offer to double-up with an Elite League team which he felt wasn’t right for him.

He said: “I would like to double up but the Elite League is tough this year and there aren’t too many places available.

“I’m enjoying my speedway so if something came up I’d consider it but I’m not going to beg for a place or anything.”

Comets are back in action this weekend when they host Somerset Rebels on Saturday at the Zebra Claims Stadium before heading to face Berwick Bandits on Monday.