From Peterson Media
A week after struggling at the Sydney Speedway, Ian Madsen made up for it in a big way as he swept the Scott Darley Challenge, including taking the challenge on Saturday night, and winning from 19th, to claim the $50,000.00 prize!
“This is unbelievable,” he said. “We won earlier this year from 13th, and that was awesome, but to win from the back is insane. I could not be any more happy.”
Madsen was as good as advertised at the speedway all weekend starting on Friday night.
With a stout 45-car-field on hand, Madsen timed his Watson’s Express Transport/Australia Wide Towing/Lucas Oil machine in second fastest, earning valuable event points.
Starting sixth in his heat race, Madsen picked up a second place finish, putting him in the preliminary feature, where he started in the seventh position.
Showing why he is the championship point leader, Madsen quickly worked his way forward, as he began to battle with fellow championship contender, Ben Atkinson, for the top spot.
Getting the lead at the halfway point, the Sydney, NSW native went on to pick up the opening night win.
Back in action on Saturday night, Madsen continued to show his ability to pass cars, as he won his heat from the sixth spot, putting his EFJ Engineering/Mike Hughes & Partners/City Access Scaffolding machine on top of the point charts.
Being the high-point man, Madsen was given the option of starting on the pole, or taking the challenge, which consisted of a guaranteed $5,000.00, but forced him to start in the 19th position, the number Scott Darley raced with until his passing, but offered an additional $45,000.00 to win the race.
With the confidence of passing cars, Madsen opted to give the fans a treat and take the challenge.
He would not be disappointed with his choice.
Starting deep in the field, Madsen showed patience as he slowly worked through traffic.
Getting up to the fourth spot late in the feature, Madsen suddenly lost power, and was forced to go to the back of the pack.
Using several restarts to his advantage, Madsen would bring the fans to their feet with a thrilling last lap pass to win the race!
“This was a huge, huge night,” he said. “I’m still in awe. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of their help and support!”
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.
2013 BY THE NUMBERS: Starts- 19, Wins-4, Top-5’s- 7, Top 10’s-11
ON TAP: Ian and his team will look at a few different schedules this week, and decide where they will be this weekend ASAP!
STAY CONNECTED: To keep up with Ian make sure you follow him on twitter by clicking over to www.twitter.com/IanMadsen.