RELAXED Brady Kurtz reckons the pressure released from his shoulders has contributed to his scintillating displays for Pirates.

The former Somerset flier is second in the Poole scorecharts with 75 points from seven SGB Premiership meetings, a notable chunk of that total being his first full maximum in the British top flight, which he earned in the league opener at Leicester.

Surprised to be asked back by Matt Ford following a more than respectable – albeit mixed – maiden year with Pirates, Kurtz has repaid the promoter's faith in spades and is currently averaging 2.21 points per ride.

And the New South Wales charger believes he has been freed up to hit new levels by his off-season team choices and a laid-back attitude from Ford.

Kurtz told the Daily Echo: "Last year was such a tough year as I changed everything. Every team I went to was new and every track I went to was new.

"This year I stayed at Poole and the same team in Poland (Pila) and I've seen everything and done everything. I know what to expect and I think there is a lot less pressure on me.

"I have a good relationship with Matt and I think he has taken a different approach.

"Last year I felt like he not so much expected me to do well as thought in the back of his mind that I was going to do well. But now I think he is a bit more relaxed towards me.

"I am really hard on myself. I am my own biggest critic and when I don't perform I'm not impressed. I think Matt knows that this year I want to really knuckle down and do well for the team and myself."

Kurtz was the latest in a long line of Australians to jet round the world to pursue a career in speedway when he first arrived on British shores three years ago.

The likes of Darcy Ward, Chris Holder, Jason Crump and Craig Boyce had previously taken the same decision before going on to become global stars of the shale.

And Kurtz is hoping he can emulate the success of his forefathers and match his own high expectations.

The 20-year-old added: "Those guys came over from Australia and made such big names for themselves out of nowhere. With every Aussie who comes over, people are wondering whether they are going to be someone or not.

"I think it's always difficult. People expect you to follow in someone's footsteps and there's a bit of pressure with that. But, hopefully, I can get my name up on that board with them.

"Everyone thinks if you have the talent, everything will work out. But I'm the guy who has to make sure everything does work out. It's a long road and a tough job but what will be, will be.

"I have no doubt I can get there. Since I was young, I always had a high expectation of how good I was going to be and that's something I want and expect to live up to."