After finishing third to Kevin and Sammy Swindell in 2011, Michael Pickens joins the father-son duo for the 2018 Chili Bowl at River Spirit Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 8-13. He will drive their familiar No. 39 as he seeks to add one more chapter in the rich history of this team.

The partnership joins two of the biggest names in open wheel racing. Pickens has seven Midget championships in his native New Zealand, while Sammy Swindell has won three World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championships and the Chili Bowl five times. The most recent came in 2009.

Immediately after Sammy’s last win, his son Kevin rattled off four consecutive Chili Bowl wins from 2010 through 2013.

For Pickens, this Chili Bowl is a major addition to his schedule.

"I wasn't going to run the Chili Bowl this year as we have a lot going on in New Zealand this summer, but when the Swindells ask you to drive their car you don't say no," Pickens said. "I've wanted a Golden Driller for so long now and this is an awesome opportunity to try and get one."

Since Kevin was paralyzed in an accident in the 2015 Knoxville Nationals, no one else has been in the Midget, so Pickens is hoping to make this a triumphant return. That can't be far from his mind, because his career-best finish was third in 2011. That day, he finished behind Kevin and Sammy.

"I've raced with Michael a few times at the Chili Bowl and I ran a few times with him in New Zealand," Sammy said. "He's always been pretty quick in the midget and done a good job."

Kevin echoed his father’s assessment.

"We're excited to have Michael in the car," Kevin said. "He's one of the guys you could say has a good chance at winning each year and I think he has the speed and mindset required to be successful during an event like the Chili Bowl."

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