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Anytime over the last few months, if you had of asked Michael what he planned on doing on the weekend of September 24th – 25th there ‘s 100% chance he would have said he would be driving a Midget for the Smith Hawk Team at the USAC Four Crown Show at Tony Stewart’s Eldora track. All those plans have gone out the window and Michael will be a “world away’ from the high banks of Eldora this weekend and instead be making his race day asphalt debut at Beech Ridge Speedway in Scarborough, Maine.

Nearing the end of his 2005 USA Tour, Michael, with the generosity of 2004 PASS Champion Johnny Clark and of Michael’s USA supporters, has secured a drive in the prestigious Pullen Heavy Industries 300 race that will be run on Sunday. The opportunity to race in the event came about when Michael met Johnny at the recently held Roush Racings ‘Race For A Ride’ where both drivers made the cut to the 25 finalists from the 1,677 applicants. Johnny, the current ‘Touring Series Driver Of The Year’ offered Michael the drive in his back up car for the race and Michael jumped at the chance to finally have his first race on a non dirt track.

Before heading to Maine from his Indianapolis home Michael said that he was really looking forward to his first pavement race experience and that just to be part of a race such as the Pullen Heavy Industries 300 lap race was quite something. Michael said that he was really looking forward to working with Johnny and his Team and that he really wanted to thank his USA supporters who have given him this opportunity.

The Pullen Heavy Industries 300 race is part of the PASS series that is regarded as the best Touring Series in the Northeast with races being held in New England and Canada. Practice for the race will be held on Thursday and Friday, qualifying on Saturday with 32 cars lining up for the Feature race that will start at 1pm Sunday.

Visit Michael's web site: Michael Pickens

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