New Zealand speedway maestro Michael Pickens will be turning more than just left when he makes his rally debut in Christchurch next weekend.
Pickens will get behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla DX for the one-day Lone Star Canterbury Rally.
Christchurch local Stephen Lloyd will partner Pickens as his co-driver as the pair prepare for 134kms of forestry and gravel roads.
A decorated sprint car racer who has won internationally, Pickens is excited to take on his latest challenge.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Pickens said.
“’I’ve got no idea what I am doing so I have lots to learn.
“I’m not concerned about the driving, it’s more about the pace notes and getting my head around a whole new discipline.”
With the rally just around the corner, Pickens won’t have time to get to speed with the Corolla before the event.
“There’s not going to be any practice time leading up to the rally, so it will be a matter of easing into it and getting comfortable and not getting carried away,” he said.
“It’s the perfect car (Toyota Corolla DX) to have a go in and get used to rallying. It won’t be blistering fast, but it will be powerful enough and its rear-wheel drive.”
The rally makes up the third round of the Mainland Rally Championship and consists of seven special stages.
The first car is scheduled to hit the road at 8.30 am, Saturday, June 6.