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USAC: Kiwi Team Slated to Compete in 'Summer Sizzle '99'

9 June 1999

Three of New Zealand's premier race drivers will challenge America's best in the world's richest Midget Car race at the 16th Street Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind. More than $140,000 will be up for grabs in the July 6-10 extravaganza.

"Summer Sizzle '99," in addition to attracting the top Midget Car drivers in the country, now adds international flavor with the announcement of the Kiwi Team by long-time New Zealand race promoter Willie Kay, who is funding the trip.

Graham Standring, Michael Kendall and Justin Insley, all of Auckland, N.Z., are expected to arrive in the States in time for a tune-up at 16th Street on June 26. A USAC Midget Car event that night will afford them a great jump-start toward being competitive in July.

"The 16th Street track is our cup of tea," admits Kay. "We have no paved tracks in New Zealand and most of our tracks are 1/4-mile dirt, like 16th Street. Our drivers are used to "tight" racing and they expect to do well in "Summer Sizzle '99."

The 41-year-old Standring is a 3-time New Zealand Midget Car Champion, most recently winning the 1998 title. He has 72 career feature wins in his homeland but is no stranger to America, winning a USAC National feature at Kokomo, Ind. and a USAC "Western" feature at Bakersfield, Calif. in 1990.

Kendall, 27, is the defending New Zealand National Midget Car Champion, while Insley finished second to Standring in the 1998 standings. Insley competed in USAC "Western" feature races in 1998 at Las Vegas, Nev. and Ventura, Calif.

Kay says "Summer Sizzle '99" is the focus of their trip to America, although they may also elect to stay and try some additional races after the July 6-10 program.

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