Coons and Pickens set to do battle again
One of the fiercest on-track rivalries seen in New Zealand speedway is set to play out once again this summer when
American driver Jerry Coons Jr. and New Zealand’s own Michael Pickens take to the track for the International Midget
series, which kicks off on Boxing Night.
Just two seasons ago, the pair had run near the front but were both without a win heading into the final round of the
International Midget series, the Crowne Plaza Auckland 50-Lapper, which is widely regarded as the most prestigious race
of them all.
The race became famous, not for Pickens clearing out to a strong lead early on, nor for Coons closing the gap late in
the race, but the final run to the flag. With Pickens baulked by lapped traffic in the final turn, Coons got a run and
the pair crossed the line absolutely neck and neck. Not even the transponder timing system could separate the pair to
the ten-thousandth of a second and the race was declared a dead heat.
A month later and Coons returned to New Zealand for two shows only, the Barry Butterworth classic and the New Zealand
Midget title races. The Barry Butterworth’s unique format saw the pair start off the back row, as was the norm when
Butterworth raced Midgets, but it didn’t take long for the pair to clear the field. In the end, a small mistake from
Pickens left Coons to take victory.
The pair lined up one last time for the New Zealand Midget championships and were again the class of the field. Coons
lead early before Pickens suffered a spectacular roll-over, leaving Coons to become the first off-shore driver to win
the New Zealand Midget championship.
But Pickens did finally get one back over his old rival, winning last season’s 50-Lap classic in a flag-to-flag victory
with a strong margin that left no doubt as to who the winner was. Coons meanwhile was left to watch from the infield
after early mechanical problems.
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.