Michael Pickens
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael Pickens (born January 7, 1983) is a racecar driver from Birkenhead near Auckland, New Zealand. Michael is a part time auto racing driver part time auto electrician. He has won races and championships in New Zealand, Australia, and United States in Quarter midgets, 3/4 Midgets, Midgets, Sprint cars and Karts.
In 2005, Michael competed at the Chili Bowl midget car race at Tulsa, Oklahoma. He won Rookie of the Year honors with an outstanding drive from 19th starting position to a race ending 6th place finish. He was noticed by some key people at NASCAR NEXTEL Cup's Roush Racing. While not having prior experience on pavement, as there are no pavement ovals in New Zealand, Michael did compete in the Roush's Driver Development Competition Program. He made it to the final round of competition.
Michael's regular rides in New Zealand are Don Kay’s Breka/Ed Pink Ford #54 Midget and Gerard Ness Schee #11C Sprint car and in Australia and the USA is Hawk Racing. This USA summer he raced for Ken Hendricks’ American Speed Association Late Model Team, Urban Force Racing, mainly at Madison International Speedway. He left the team in July near the middle of the season, and began running a mixture of midget and pavement car races for various owners.
[edit] New Zealand Titles
Michael Pickens won the 2006/2007 New Zealand Midget Car championship at Western Springs Speedway. Tonight (Wednesday December 26) at Western Springs Speedway in Auckland NZ the next step in Michael Pickens' career will be announced.
