Post by administrator on Dec 6, 2009 11:30:39 GMT 1
Taken from the Palmerston North website. With due acknowledgements:::
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Michael Pickens produced another scintillating performance from the rear of the grid to win the opening round of the National Midget Series at the Robertson Holden International Speedway.
National Midget Car Series
The 15-car field was split into two groups, for a pair of reverse-grid qualifying heats each, leading to the 30-lap final. 95s Duane Hickman showed a good turn of speed to pass 87a Lance Beale and win the opening heat comfortably, while 54a Michael Pickens ominously worked his way up to second place from the back of the grid. Five-time national champ 81a Michael Kendall looked impressive in the second group, taking the second group’s opening heat. 13a Brad Mosen took second after swapping places a few times in a great battle with 27a Hayden Williams.
One of the frontrunners had a major moment in his second heat, when 77a Shane Alach spun and Hickman clouted the wall avoiding him. Hickman survived though, and turned in another great performance after the restart to finish second. With Pickens starting near the front, he cleared out to a straightforward win. 9a Chris McCutcheon hit the front in the final heat, and benefited from Mosen and Kendall battling each other for second place. The race was cut one lap short when 10a Brian Edwards performed a massive cartwheel down the embankment straight. Thankfully he climbed out of the wrecked machine unhurt.
A reverse order grid for the 30 lap feature was a tantalizing prospect. The top guns started cautiously from the rear as the pack jostled for position. 17s Gavin Quinn parked himself stylishly on the wall at the start of the second lap, and 14a Jody Vincent got a slight touch on him and tipped over, bringing on the first yellow.
After a lengthy delay to sort out positions, Pickens burst into life. He amazingly carved around the outside of three other top cars in one corner, and ducked up the inside of a couple more on the next lap. By lap 15 he was in front and never looked like being caught. Kendall and Mosen had an epic battle for second after also starting at the back.
The outcome was decided as they both attempted to pass McCutcheon, and Mosen managed to get past slightly easier than Kendall. In a virtual carbon copy of last season, Pickens had wowed the crowd and blown the others competitors off the track in an amazing performance.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michael Pickens produced another scintillating performance from the rear of the grid to win the opening round of the National Midget Series at the Robertson Holden International Speedway.
National Midget Car Series
The 15-car field was split into two groups, for a pair of reverse-grid qualifying heats each, leading to the 30-lap final. 95s Duane Hickman showed a good turn of speed to pass 87a Lance Beale and win the opening heat comfortably, while 54a Michael Pickens ominously worked his way up to second place from the back of the grid. Five-time national champ 81a Michael Kendall looked impressive in the second group, taking the second group’s opening heat. 13a Brad Mosen took second after swapping places a few times in a great battle with 27a Hayden Williams.
One of the frontrunners had a major moment in his second heat, when 77a Shane Alach spun and Hickman clouted the wall avoiding him. Hickman survived though, and turned in another great performance after the restart to finish second. With Pickens starting near the front, he cleared out to a straightforward win. 9a Chris McCutcheon hit the front in the final heat, and benefited from Mosen and Kendall battling each other for second place. The race was cut one lap short when 10a Brian Edwards performed a massive cartwheel down the embankment straight. Thankfully he climbed out of the wrecked machine unhurt.
A reverse order grid for the 30 lap feature was a tantalizing prospect. The top guns started cautiously from the rear as the pack jostled for position. 17s Gavin Quinn parked himself stylishly on the wall at the start of the second lap, and 14a Jody Vincent got a slight touch on him and tipped over, bringing on the first yellow.
After a lengthy delay to sort out positions, Pickens burst into life. He amazingly carved around the outside of three other top cars in one corner, and ducked up the inside of a couple more on the next lap. By lap 15 he was in front and never looked like being caught. Kendall and Mosen had an epic battle for second after also starting at the back.
The outcome was decided as they both attempted to pass McCutcheon, and Mosen managed to get past slightly easier than Kendall. In a virtual carbon copy of last season, Pickens had wowed the crowd and blown the others competitors off the track in an amazing performance.