BSL Racing take 1-2 finish on Boxing night
BSL Racing’s Kyle Larson and Michael Pickens have dominated the opening night of the International Midget series, held
at Western Springs as part of the traditional Boxing night Classic.
Larson, driving the Lucas Oils/Auckland SsangYong backed #99USA Spike Esslinger, is regarded as the latest up and coming
star in the USA speedway scene, will drive for the BSL Racing team throughout the four major International races. He
made the best possible start, with two strong runs from his heat races after starting mid-field in both, qualifying for
the feature race in seventh place.
In his first appearance since wrapping up his fourth New Zealand Midget championship, started his first heat from pole
position and powered the #1NZ Auckland SsangYong Breka Esslinger to a comfortable victory. Starting his second heat from
the rear of the field, Pickens made good progress to finish second and claim the honour of starting from the front for
the 25-lap feature race.
The team’s third driver, Scott Buckley was also having a good run as he took the Iscar #25 Spike Esslinger to third in
his first heat, but struggled from the rear in his second, still managing to qualify for the feature comfortably in the
mid pack.
The winner takes all feature race took place over 25 laps and Pickens made the best of his pole position to motor out
into the lead, while Larson made early ground to move into the top four when the yellow flags came out on lap three.
Pickens again charged out in front, with Larson moving to the high line and picking up another spot before another
yellow period.
When the race restarted, Larson made another move on the high side as the top three went three wide, then Pickens and
Larson engaged in one of the greatest battles seen at Western Springs for a long time, although when Pickens jumped the
cushion with five laps remaining, the 19-year old from California took a commanding win ahead of Pickens, while Buckley
made steady progress for another consistent top-ten finish.
The BSL Racing Team now gear up for the final meeting of 2011 on December 31st at Western Springs.
ends