Motorsport: Williams prepares to defend the title that kick-started his career

Hayden Williams (front) battling Brad Mosen during the the Barry Butterworth Memorial at WXC Speedway.

Auckland speedway driver Hayden Williams hopes to cap an outstanding summer by defending his Barry Butterworth Memorial crown at WxC Speedway-Western Springs tonight.

The 24-year-old was emotional in conquering this race last year, claiming it as the highlight of his career at the time.

It proved to be a breakthrough victory for Williams as he has since morphed into one of the fastest and most consistent midget drivers in New Zealand, having amassed two wins and two podium finishes already this season.

"Winning the Barry Butterworth [Memorial] last year boosted my confidence immensely after a string of bad luck and poor results," said Williams.

"It really turned my season around and has continued into this season too, which has been the best and most consistent of my career."

As the defending champion, Williams will be forced to start from the rear of the grid as this event celebrates the sport's history by insisting the fastest drivers pass the entire field in order to win.

"Defending a title can be extremely tough, especially at Western Springs with the high level of competition in the midget class; any one of 10 drivers have the ability to win on any given night," he said.

"The fastest-from-the back format provides some of the most exciting racing for both the fans and the drivers.

"It not only tests the drivers' skills and patience but also the team in being able to provide a car that is well balanced and free to manoeuvre through traffic, but still has the speed and forward-drive at the end [of the race] when it counts.

"This is a race I always look forward to as it's a format that suits me well."

"Bad Boy" Barry Butterworth, as he was known during his racing days, was a legend of midget and sprint car racing in New Zealand, Australia and the US, winning respect and trophies everywhere he went.

Auckland-born Butterworth raced at Western Springs Speedway for three decades before his untimely death from emphysema in 1993.

"Barry Butterworth is a legend who was admired for the skills and talent he possessed in both midgets and sprint car racing," said Williams.

"Although he raced well before my time, I know he is regarded by many as one of New Zealand's greatest speedway drivers; to win back-to-back titles in his name would be an honour and massive achievement."

The midgets will be joined by sprint cars, TQs, F2 midgets and Kiwi Kidz at WxC Speedway-Western Springs tonight. Gates open at 4:15pm with racing from 6pm.

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