Motorsport: Veteran Alach heads midget team

New Zealand Midget Team, from left, Brad Mosen, captain Shayne Alach and Hayden Williams. Photo / SHOT360

Resurgent 38-year-old leads Kiwi trio to face off with Australians and Americans.

Speedway veteran Shayne Alach will captain Team New Zealand in the upcoming World Midget Series at WxC Speedway-Western Springs, having been named with Brad Mosen and Hayden Williams on Saturday night.

The rain-affected meeting meant an early night for the Springs faithful, but there was still plenty to be excited about with sprint car test team racing and the somewhat surprising midget team announcement.

"To be honest, it's a surprise even for me, but it's also such an honour," said 38-year-old Alach.

"I don't know how much longer I'll be able to do this for, but I'm really proud to be in this position and with such a good team I think we'll have a good shot at [the series] this year."

Alach was a dominant force throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, winning almost every significant midget race in New Zealand. But after more than 20 years in the sport he slowly began to drift from the spotlight in speed and results.

However, the former World 50-lap Derby champion has experienced a resurgence in form this summer, with two podium placings in the four events.

"I still have the belief in every race I start, whether it's a heat, a feature or a championship, and try equally hard in every one of them," he said. "The test racing will be no different."

Former international series champion and current points series leader Brad Mosen will rejoin the team, having represented New Zealand for the last four years.

"Everyone has really stepped up their game this season in the midgets and I think, with these two dudes involved, there's no reason we can't give it to the Americans and Australians," said the 27-year-old.

Hayden Williams, 23, brings an unusual combination of youth and experience to the trio as one of the best midget drivers in the country.

The Kiwis will welcome teams from Australia and the US for the three-way challenge over the Christmas/New Year period. Racing starts on Boxing Day.