Two teams will compete against the and in the four-test International Midget World Series starting at Western Springs tomorrow night.

The two Kiwi speedway teams have been divided into a Young Guns line-up and a Masters outfit to take on the overseas drivers. The four teams of three drivers will race for test series points in 12-Lap tests in Auckland tomorrow and Saturday and Christchurch on January 26 & 28.

All the drivers will then race as individuals in tomorrow’s 30-Lap World Derby and Saturday’s season highlight 50-Lapper, as well as the Southern 50-Lapper at Ruapuna on the 28th.

Gun American Scott Hatton is back to defend his 30 & 50-Lap titles at Western Springs. He’ll be joined in the team by Davey Ray, another returnee from last year, and Danny Stratton, a last minute replacement for Cory Kruseman, who placed 3rd in last weekend’s prestigious Chili Bowl in the .

Brett “The Jet” Morris will captain the Australian team which will be selected from regular attendee Mark Brown, Nathan Smee and the much-feared Adam Clark.

The New Zealand Young Guns trio contains the current leader in the Springs National Championship series, Steven Currie, reigning New Zealand Champion, Carl Worboys and 18-year-old wonderkid Brad Mosen, who smashed the Midget lap record at the Springs earlier this season.

The Masters line-up features Shaun Insley, second in the National Championship series, evergreen legend Graham Standring and hard working Te Awamutu local Tony Fabish.

Promoter Dave Stewart says the strength of the two Kiwi teams is best illustrated by who dipped out on selection, including recent representatives Michael Pickens, Michael Kendall, Bryce Townsend, Lance Beale, Matt Thompson and Neville Basalaj.

“Team selection has highlighted the extreme competitiveness of the Midget class and those struggles will spill on to the track,” Stewart said. “There’s enough rivalry between the Kiwi drivers, let alone throwing Aussies and Americans into the mix.

“I know the drivers were thrilled to win the test series last year, but they were gutted to have a Yank take home the major individual silverware. They’ll be striving to keep the titles on home soil and, to be frank, there’s any one of a dozen locals who could take the checkered flag on top of the seven overseas stars.”

Stewart says another intriguing element of the series will be the two races at Powerbuilt Speedway in Christchurch.

“Home town advantage won’t be with the Kiwis because they race the good majority of the time at Western Springs. The lay-out of the circuit will also make for interesting battles because it’s wider in the straights and encourages more passing.”

Given their local knowledge, Stewart believes the southern men Leigh Marquet, Ray Baughan and Dion Rochford will be a danger to the foreign legion and New Zealanders alike at Ruapuna.

Cold hard cash also supports national pride in luring world-class performers to the International Series and more than $130,000 in prizemoney will be on offer across the four meetings.

Stewart says the successful off-season mediation on noise emission levels will ensure there are no disruptions to this year’s series.

“It’s simply a case of getting out there and giving it heaps. We’ve got quality drivers, circuits that are rated among the best in the world and we’re keen to get on with providing a real spectacle for thousands of fans. Let’s get dirty!”

The teams:

USA – Scott Hatton, Davey Ray and Danny Stratton

Australia – Brett Morris, Mark Brown, Adam Clark and Nathan Smee (one to be omitted at each test)

Young Guns* - Steven Currie (1st), Brad Mosen (5th) and Carl Worboys (6th)

Masters* – Shaun Insley  (2nd), Tony Fabish (3rd) and Graham Standring (4th)

* including current placing in the Springs National Championship series

Back to News