Taylor Mosen

Nelson’s own Nevil Basalaj is fast becoming more and more at home here at the springs. After the first two Western Springs National Series meetings he sits comfortably in 4th place and is making it perfectly clear to all opposing competitors that he’s one to keep an eye on this season.

Basalaj credits some of his recent success to the new Beast chassis he’s running in comparison to last seasons' Breka. “It’s the nicest car I’ve ever owned, said Basalaj, It suits my driving style and fits me good.” His Mopar engine has had all last years issues ironed out. He has restored the engine back to factory specifications and can now focus all attention on set up and driving tactics, rather than constantly stressing over engine problems!

Basalaj still resides in Nelson and makes the 45 minute or so flight up every week to race at Western Springs Speedway, although he will be back at home this year for the New Zealand Midget Grand Prix. The South Islander believes in home track advantage and without promising anything feels confident about racing anyone at his old stomping ground. “I’ve done a lot of laps there!” claims Basalaj.

But for now he’s racing up in Auckland and doing a great job of it! Basalaj prefers Pine Tree Bend when racing at the Springs. He says that there is much more drive there than Town Bend, thanks to the shade given to that section of the track by the trees. He seems to come across the majority of passing opportunities at Pine Tree Bend and consequently gets through the traffic at this end of the historic track.

This is his 13th season racing midgets. He started in a Volkswagen powered Alach racecar, which he claimed to be a good, consistent car. But after a year behind that steering wheel he made an upgrade and has continued to do so ever since. Upgrading machines even off the dirt with his new road car, a silver BMW M3 CSL, something most people only dream of…

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