Photo: Michael PickensMotor sport enthusiasts will benefit from a joint venture between 'rival' tracks Woodford Glen, and Ruapuna this weekend (January 27 and 28) when two rounds of the inaugural Midget Car Triple Crown series are staged in Christchurch.
Ruapuna, which regularly promotes midget Car racing will host the first round of the Value Cars Warehouse backed series on Friday night, while Woodford Glen will hold their round on Saturday night.
The series has been organised by Lewis Dawson, the General manager of Auckland's Western Springs Speedway.
Dawson, who promoted Woodford Glen several years ago has worked on the concept for several years, and said that the recent upgrading of Woodford Glens safety catch fence has been a catalyst in the venture.
The attraction of $30, 000 in prize money for the 'Triple Crown' series has enticed two of the worlds top Midget car drivers American Jerry Coons Jnr and Auckland's Michael Pickens to enter, and over twenty cars have signed up for the meetings in Christchurch.
It will be Coons first racing appearance in the South Island, and he will be racing the Esslinger powered Spike midget car for Auckland businessman Danny Lendich, who also owns the car that Coons campaigns in the USA.
Ruapuna Speedway President Darren Nankivell said that promotions like the Triple Crown were far too important for Christchurch to miss out on, which is why both tracks have seen the benefit of hosting a round each.
“The reality is that Jerry Coons is one of the top American drivers. He is a two time American Midget Car Champion, and has also won their non wing Sprintcar National Championship as well as their Silver Crown car Championship. We're fortunate that the series organisers have offered this to the two Christchurch tracks, and we're all working hard to make it a success.”
Current New Zealand Champion Michael Pickens is sure to push the American hard. last summer they dead heated for first in the World 50 lap Classic at Western Springs, and Pickens has been in hot form recently.
Former National Midget Car Champion Graham Standring has found the lure of the Triple Crown too great to resist, and he will come out of 'semi' retirement to drive the Esslinger Spike that was raced successfully during the recent World Series by American teenaged superstar Kyle Larsen.
Standring is all too aware of the threat posed by the South Islanders.
“We had David Kerr, Nevil Basalaj and Nick Donaldson racing up in Auckland recently, and they know whats required at the top level. All three will really get into us too, as I am sure that they will want to wave the flag for the South Island. This is a huge opportunity for Speedway racing in Christchurch. The two tracks getting together is one thing, and I know that there hasn't been International Midget Car Racing in the city for three or four years.”
Racing starts both nights at 7pm with the third round at Western Springs on the night of 4 February.
