Gino Manzares admits to being ‘devastated’ over his form for Ipswich Witches in 2015.

But the 22-year-old from Anaheim, California, says he has learned much this season – on and off the track – and has vowed to come back stronger next year – even if it is not with the Suffolk club.

After a debut season in 2014 that saw him average more than six points a meeting, bright things were expected of the American this year. But injuries, a degree of bad luck and visa worries dampened his campaign – and no-one is more upset about it than Manzares.

“I’m devastated about my form for Ipswich this year,” he said.

“Absolutely devastated.

“Last year was so good and I thought I could do it again this year – and more. But things haven’t gone right and I have no-one to blame except myself.

“I need to change things big time. I’m still a rookie in this sport and I need to surround myself with people who really want me to succeed.

“I blame no-one else and there is little I can do about the visa stuff except try to get some rides abroad next season.”

That may indeed be Manzares’ only route to Europe next year, via Sweden, Denmark and Poland, as he is no-where near a seven-point average that, as an American, is needed to guarantee a visa in the British League.

“As I said, there is nothing I can do about the visa stuff,” he said.

“But I need to look at the whole nine yards of what I do. Of course I would love to be at Ipswich, Chris Louis has been fantastic to me, but the simple fact is my season this year has been no good.

“Perhaps I need a new challenge. I certainly don’t want to be in a comfort zone.”

Manzares is flying back to the States after the Witches end-of-season dinner dance in November.

He is looking forward to the 16-Lap Classic at Foxhall on Thursday and has promised himself 2016 is going to be very different to 2015 on the speedway track.

“Next year will not be the same for me as this year,” Manzares added.

“I have learned a lot. There is no way things will be the same – of that I’m determined.”

Ipswich Speedway brings the curtain down on their 2015 season this Thursday with their traditional finale, the 16 Lap Classic. All seven Witches riders will take part plus Alex Davies, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Carl Wilkinson, Kevin Doolan and Scott Nicholls will join them.