Speedway fans’ opinions are divided after Poole Pirates star Darcy Ward pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.
Twenty one year-old Ward recently pleaded guilty to charges of fleeing police on an uninsured motorbike whilst under the influence of drink and drugs, and now faces the possibility of being refused entry to the UK when he returns to start the Pirate’s Elite Shield campaign in late March.
But despite the speedway star since issuing a public apology, describing his actions as “a mistake”, Poole Pirates fans are divided over the future of one of motorcycling’s bright young stars.
“He really needs to grow up,” Pirates fan Warren Nissen said, “such a talent but such a fool too. He has the world at his feet and he’s going to blow it all if he isn’t careful.”
But not everyone is of the same opinion, motorcycling fan Ian Foster said: “I couldn’t care less what he does when he isn’t racing. He’s a pure talent on a speedway bike, world champion in the making. It’s none of mine or anyone else’s business what he gets up to in his private life.”
Recently, Poole Pirates boss Matt Ford urged Ward to seek professional help including registering at the Tony Adams Sporting Chance clinic, which offers treatment for behavioural problems among professional and amateur sportsmen.
“Darcy needs to take stock of himself and make sure that he doesn’t allow a very promising speedway career to be frittered away,” Ford said, “I really feel that he needs professional help and as a club we will be supporting him to take such steps.”
Last year, Ward helped the Pirates to second place in speedway’s Elite League, just behind eventual winners the Swindon Robins.
Aside from representing Dorset’s Pirates, Ward also races for Sweden’s Dackarna and the Polish team Unibax Torun.
Photo from Darcy Ward’s official Facebook page
