Top Kiwis face international challenge

Top Kiwis face international challenge

New Zealand’s top Midget drivers will face the toughest challenge of the season when the International Midget Series gets underway on Boxing night at Western Springs Speedway.

New Zealand has a rich heritage of producing top Midget drivers, some of which has gone on to not only take victory in the International Midget series, but have gone on to win races in the USA as well. In fact, on more than 20 occasions New Zealand drivers have taken out the Herman Tros Memorial Shield, which is awarded to the winner of the International Midget series.

Currently being touted as one of the greatest Midget drivers to ever come out of New Zealand, Michael Pickens is one of the drivers who has experienced success in the USA in the past and is not only the current New Zealand Midget champion, but also the current holder of the Herman Tros Memorial Shield and the defending champion of the Crowne Plaza Auckland 50-Lap classic.

Another driver to have experienced success in New Zealand as well as on home turf against international visitors is Brad Mosen. Driving a kiwi-built engine and chassis package, Mosen is still one of the country’s top Midget car drivers and always brings his A-game when the international visitors are in town.

Like Pickens, Shaun Insley has also won the Herman Tros Memorial Shield back in 2006. Insley would rate as one of New Zealand’s most consistent Midget drivers and is sure to be near the front of the field.

Western Springs Speedway also features a large field of drivers giving the established stars a run for their money. Names like Scott Buckley, Shayne Alach, Brock Maskovich, Hayden Williams, Alastair Wootten, Duane Hickman, Michael Brunt, Shane O’Connor, Chris Gwilliam, to name but a few, will make just qualifying for the 20-car feature race at the end of the night an achievement.

The International Midget series kicks off with a 25-lap Feature race on Boxing night, with the World 30-lap Derby following on December 29. The 40-lap ‘King of the Springs’ runs on January 1 with the series concluding with the ultimate test of man and machine, the Crown Plaza Auckland World 50 Lapper, held 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