From Peterson Media
Ian Madsen continue to prove himself as one of the hottest drivers in Australia, as he tallied his third win of the season on Wednesday night from the eleventh spot during the Valvoline Australian Grand Prix, before scoring a second spot on Friday night during the 55th Annual New South Wales title.
On what was a very slick Sydney Speedway to open up the weekend on Boxing day, Madsen was the last car out during qualifications, and timed in with a well earned 19th fastest lap aboard the Watson’s Express Transport/Australia Wide Towing/Lucas Oil No.11.
Starting on the front row of the One Stop Battery Shop heat race, Madsen grabbed the early lead, and cruised on to pick up the feature win, and set him self up for the 30 lap finale.
Starting in the sixth row, Madsen worked the low side of the speedway to perfection, as he slowly carved his way through the field.
With the race rattling on in non-stop fashion, Madsen finally reached the second spot entering the third turn on the 24th lap, before making nice move on the inside of Roddy Bellbowen entering the first corner on lap 25 to take the lead.
Once in front, Madsen distanced himself from the field as he picked up his third win of the season, second at the speedway, aboard his Mike Hughes and Partners/City Access Scaffolding/Blackshaw’s Motor Body Repairs machine.
“Tonight was the epitome of a dream drive,” said a jubilant Madsen. “We have been a strong car all year, and to come from 11th during a non-stop feature speaks volumes of our team. We have some amazing support this year, and I’m happy to get this win for them.”
Taking Thursday and Friday off, Round Two of speedweek went off on Saturday night for the 55th running of the NSW Title.
“The New South Wales Title is one of those races you mark on your calendar, and hope to win, even if it’s the only race you win all year,” Madsen explained.
Madsen showed he was a major competitor early in the night, as he timed in with the quickest lap among the 48 cars entered into the event.
Lining up in the sixth spot for his heat, Madsen would battle his way up to a fifth place finish, setting him up to start the 35-lap feature event in the second row.
When the green flag dropped, Madsen quickly moved into the third spot as he got passed Jason Sides heading under the flag stand.
Heading down the backstretch, Madsen would get past Max Dumesny for second as he again chased down Roddy Bellbowen for the early lead. Working through the middle of the track, Madsen looked to have a stronger car than Bellbowen, as he waited for an opening.
With Bellbowen on the bottom, Madsen moved up higher as he pounded the cushion, until the caution flew on lap four.
The ensuing restart, saw Madsen get to the lead out of turn four and he quickly began working away from the field at a torrid pace.
While he distanced himself from the field, the man who is atop the standings with Madsen, Gary Brazier, crept through the field from his deep starting position.
Getting caught up in thick traffic, Madsen’s two-second lead evaporated, as the field was quickly on his rear bumper, as he tried to guess where traffic would go.
With 14 to go a restart bunched the field back up, and Madsen again saw a large lead diminish.
“We had an awesome car all night, and even though we got held up a bit in traffic, we were able distance ourselves again on an open track,” he explained. “The restarts didn’t hurt me, as we got some clear track, but it did allow for some of the guys who were strung out to catch back up.”
The restart saw Brazier move into the second spot, and the fans were treated to the hottest two drivers at the speedway dueling with each other.
With eight laps to go, Brazier got the run over Madsen, and got around him in turns one and two and Madsen settled into the second spot.
Dicing through traffic, Madsen would be unable to get around Madsen, and ended up with the second spot.
“It’s disappointing to not win the NSW title, but we have a great team, and will win plenty more races this year.”
Madsen would like to thank Watson’s Express Transport, Australia Wide Towing, Lucas Oil, EJF Engineering, Mike Hughes & Partners, City Access Scaffolding, Blackshaw’s Motor Body Repairs, ButlerBuilt, and Factory Kahne Shocks for their continued support.
ON TAP: Ian will continue with the Sydney Speedweek on Tuesday, January 1st.
STAY CONNECTED: To keep up with Ian make sure you follow him on twitter by clicking over to www.twitter.com/IanMadsen.