McFadden prevails in tense struggle

Monte Motorsport Sprintcar Team driver James McFadden recorded an infamous victory in the 22nd Krikke Boys Shootout on Saturday at the Make Smoking History Bunbury Speedway.

Starting from second on the grid in the 35-lap A-Main feature, McFadden duelled with Krikke Motorsport driver Kerry Madsen in one of the most high-octane passages of racing you are ever likely to witness.

After taking the lead from Madsen – who had been dominating out in front – with 11 laps to go, both drivers threw everything at each other in the closing stages.

There were several lead changes in the final two laps, but McFadden held his nerve down the back straight to edge out Madsen and complete a remarkable victory, which punctuated a breathless program of racing.

Post-race, McFadden was reflective on his achievement.

“I think it was a pretty cool race for the fans to watch,” he said. “To get the win was really good.

“I’m pumped because we’ve crashed while leading a few races this year and ran second in a bunch of races.”

McFadden’s crew toiled hard in the pits throughout the night to ensure his car lasted the journey, after it began with some challenging moments in qualifying.

“We got it rolling there in the end and the boys worked hard for us to get further up in the Shootout,” he said.

“And when you start up the front, it makes driving a lot easier.”

Madsen, who led for the majority of the race, was magnanimous in second place and hopeful of remaining with the team next season.

“You want to win – but consistency breeds results in the end,” he said.

“It’s my first year with Krikke Motorsport and I feel like I’m gelling with them very well.

“The fit has been quite seamless and hopefully we can build on this.”

It was another impressive showing from Jason Kendrick – who after falling to ninth – rebounded superbly to finish third.

“We got some heat going in the tyres and I started to pass by a few cars,” he said.

“But the yellows (caution flags) were killing me. Guys would have a run after the yellow lap, slide up in front of me and take my line on some of the exits.

“So I was losing some speed because of that – but once I actually cleared some cars and got a run going, we were really strong and caught up a lot.”

Bunbury driver Brad Blake received a warm response from the massive crowd following his victory in the late model feature, while Jamie Harris claimed victory in the legend cars.