New Zealand National Midget Car Champion Hayden Williams and BSL Racing teammate Travis Buckley finished first and second in the 30-Lap USAC Western States Midget Series Feature race at Ventura Raceway in California.
After struggling with motor issues which beset their Mid-West racing stint, last weekend the Kiwi pair finally fond form back in California an hour and a half from the teams Esslinger Engineering based workshop.
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Teenager Buckley qualifying 6th in his Bullet by Spike Chassis – Esslinger Engineering Midget then went on to finish second from grid 4 behind Robby Josett in his 10-Lap heat race.
Williams, in a similar car, winning heat 2 after starting 5th and qualifying 5th fastest. The Kiwi duo a front row lock out with Buckley on pole in the pair’s first USAC Western States start.
Williams leading green to chequered for his first Feature win State-side and calming the $1200 winners purse. “Conditions were slick early on but they re-worked the track before the feature. It was locked down around the bottom for about the first 10 or so laps before the top groove came in in turns 3 and 4.” Said Williams of the track that was similar in configuration to tracks back home.
“The feature was fairly smooth sailing. I just got out front, got to work and tried to make no mistakes. I managed to lead all 30 laps and win by over 6 seconds.
“It was an awesome feeling and extremely satisfying on a track I’ve never raced on before. Especially after the amount of hard-work that’s gone on behind the scenes and with [Crew Chief] Calvin Worthington gone, looking after and running two cars ourselves with limited resources, it was a pretty awesome feeling getting both BSL cars finishing 1 and 2.
“To have a USAC Feature winner’s medal to my name is pretty special.” Said Williams savouring the win.
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Buckley is enjoying his second visit to the USA “I try to make the most of every lap I turn in the USA so I can hit the group running in the upcoming season in New Zealand.
“Cory Kruseman who helped crew for us, Hayden and Esslinger all played a massive part in giving me the best car possible to hit the track that night for the feature at Ventura.
“Racing In the USA has been a blast, on and off the race track. I’ve learnt more than I could ever imagine in what feels like a very short 6 months. It has gone so fast!
“I’m very grateful for all the help from Mum, Dad and Calvin and I’m happy to finally have a good result not only for myself but for BSL.
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“I’m very excited to hit the ground running in the upcoming season in New Zealand” Said Buckley.
The team are planning to race a BCRA, $2000 to win event at Kern Speedway this Saturday night near Bakersfield, California before winding down and getting ready for back to New Zealand.