Madsen primed for Sprintcar defence

WA Sprintcar Championship reigning State champion Kerry Madsen has arrived from the US ready to defend his title tonight at Kwinana Motorplex.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series driver is fresh from regular top 10 finishes in America racing against some of the world’s elite sprintcar drivers in an 80-race season.

Madsen won 13 of 20 of his completed races last season racing for Krikke Motorsport and team principal Ryan Krikke said the team would not be happy with anything less than a win.

“We’ve won this race the last two years in a row and we’re looking to make it a three-peat,” he said.

“Kerry won last year quite comfortably, he’s one of the most successful Australian drivers ever.”

Madsen raced three weeks ago in the US and will drive one of three new Krikke cars which have been remodelled over the off-season in Adelaide.

“We like to start the year with new gear because you’ve got to keep up with the latest research and development that’s out there,” Krikke said.

Madsen will have to be faster than Jason Kendrick, who became the first multiple feature race winner of the season claiming both the Kwinana Cup and Bunbury Grand Slam last month.

Kendrick said the WA Sprintcar Championship was lucky to have a driver like Madsen compete in the event and he was excited to test himself against the best.

“We love having Kerry back here and any chance I get to race against someone like that, I think I’m better for it,” he said.

“I keep the emotion out of it. The game plan is the same every week, the closer you can start to the front in the feature race the easier it is and the first 15-20 laps is where you can build into a winning position.”

Callum Williamson also poses a threat after winning the season opener with a gutsy come from behind victory.

The qualifying races will begin at 6pm on Saturday while the 30 lap final is due to start at 9pm.