Veteran Michael Pickens won all three of his midget races at Western Springs Speedway.
Western Springs Stadium was bursting at the seams on Saturday night as Vodafone Speedway celebrated the opening night of the 87th season at the circuit.
Almost 12,000 spectators filled the stands as Auckland speedway veteran Michael Pickens made it look easy, winning all three of his midget races and qualifying
first in the sprint car division.
The six-time New Zealand champion and current Australian champion started both his heats at the rear of the field and worked his way to the front in each.
Starting on the front row, Pickens was then untroubled in the midget feature, leading every lap until rain halted the race with three laps remaining, declaring him the winner; Brock Maskovich was second and Taylor Clarke third.
"It obviously wasn't ideal with that rain, but still awesome to get the win on opening night," said Pickens.
