FORMER Pirates star Jason Doyle admits Darcy Ward's accident has had a huge impact on the mentality of riders.

Ward – a crowd favourite at Wimborne Road – sustained serious spinal injuries in a crash in Poland in August and is now wheelchair-bound.

And Grand Prix star Doyle admits the injuries suffered by his countryman have had a significant effect on the shale sport's top stars.

Doyle said: “Darcy’s injuries have taken a toll on many riders. It’s one of these things we all think about.

"It’s in the back of our minds but we don’t want it to happen to anyone. It was so close to home this time that it shook a lot of riders, including myself."

In an interview with speedwaygp.com, Doyle added: "Before his injury, Darcy was definitely one of the best riders in the world. He could easily have been in the world’s top three."

To make a donation to Ward’s treatment fund, visit pledgie.com/campaigns/30061.