DARCY Ward has lifted the lid on how his Australian sabbatical with dad George had helped to clear his mind in time for a return to speedway.

On Wednesday, the 23-year-old revealed plans to make an immediate return to the British circuit when his 10-month ban for a failed alcohol test gets lifted at midnight on June 27.

Ward, renowned as one of the world’s top speedway talents, admitted he had opted to shut himself away from following the sport as he made time for his family back home in Camira 4300.

During the two-month stint in his homeland, he embarked on a new fitness regime with trusted personal trainer Luke Whitaker as well as embracing the opportunity to spend time fine tuning his equipment with his father.

And the Pirates asset explained his period of reflection had given him an all-new outlook on life – on and off the track.

Ward exclusively told the Daily Echo: “Making a few changes has been something different and good for me.

“If I hadn’t got in trouble, I may have been in the top three in the world but might have thought I could still do things the way I used to.

“I am excited about the changes and the things that should follow but it is a long, hard road to get settled back into the sport. I will take a lot of grief but I am ready for the challenge and to concentrate on myself.

“I have no complaints. I had great time at home and got to do a lot of things I hadn’t done before and did a lot of motocross. When things are good and you feel relaxed, things come easier.

“When I was at home, I didn’t follow speedway. I checked on the Poole updates the next day but wanted to keep myself away and get that bit of space. I didn’t feel like I needed to, it was just what I wanted to do.

"I'm happy with the decisions I made and now, I’m really looking forward to riding.”

On his support network, Ward added: “I did a lot of bike work with my dad. There were some tough times there for a while but we pulled together.

“He showed me a lot of stuff in Australia, we bonded more and became a lot closer. I am pretty grateful for that. Luke really helped too, not just physically, mentally as well.

“It has been a long time and these things make you learn a lot about yourself. I’m excited just to get back into it, I have missed it more than I could have imagined. I am sure everyone else is waiting as well.”

Bullish Ward also plans a swift return with Swedish club Piraterna and Polish outfit Torun, despite both leagues operating squad systems.

“I have a lot of things planned for this month, including practices in Torun and Sweden,” he added. “I am really looking forward to gelling with my team again and getting the boys back on the spanners. They have had their holiday!

“I don’t think I will be waiting for an opportunity. I want to get straight in, that is my goal and I am going to put a lot of focus on my rides abroad this year.

“Torun is my favourite track in the world and I can’t wait.”