Larson wins 30 lapper amongst drama

Larson wins 30 lapper amongst drama

Kyle Larson has continued his run of victories in the 2012/13 International Midget series after taking out round two, the World 30 Lap Derby, at Western Springs Speedway last night.

The night was full of drama right from the very first heat when New Zealand champion Michael Pickens and American visitor Dave Darland got together, putting Pickens into the fence and forcing his retirement. That put Pickens, along with Darland and fellow American Alex Bright amongst a strong line-up in the B-Main, a last chance qualifier to advance to the feature race at the end of the night. Although all three of the stars advanced, they would have to start from the back of the grid in the feature race.

Larson to endured dramas in one of his heat races, twice being caught up in other peoples incidents but was able to re-join in his position prior to the incidents to qualify fourth, behind equal leaders Cory Kruseman and Bryan Clauson of America, plus Kiwi Brad Mosen. But in the pole shuffle, Larson worked his way through and after a battle with Clauson that was only sorted on the final corner, Larson gained pole position for the second time in as many races.

As the field lined up for the prestigious 30-lapper, the was yet more drama when an electrical problem as the field formed up ground Clauson to a halt. His team called for a ‘two-minute bell’ and we granted that grace period to repair the problem, completing the repairs with just two seconds remaining.

The race got underway on a very slick racetrack but Larson held the lead through turn one and was gone, unchallenged all the way to the final turn, where an incident in front of him almost ended a perfectly driven race. Despite that, he had built up such a lead over the field he was able to take the win. Behind him was a relieved Clauson while Brad Mosen took third place and top Kiwi, elevating him to second in the International Midget series standings.

Fast and furious Sprintcar action saw American based Australian Peter Murphy take victory ahead of Ricky Logan and Ryan O’Connor, while the TQ racing saw Jared Taylor take the win ahead of Scott Baker and Aaron Foss.

The International Midget continues in the new year with the 40-lap ‘King of the Springs’ on January 1, then concludes with the ultimate test of man and machine, the Crown Plaza Auckland World 50 Lapper, on January 3. Each night will also see action from Sprintcars and TQ Midgets.

Race day sees gates open at 5pm with the first race getting underway at 6.30. Adults are $30 with kids under the age of 16 free with a paying adult. For more information, check out www.springsspeedway.com.

© Scoop Media