MADSEN EYES OFF SPEEDWEEK TITLE

Kerry Madsen eyes off Speedweek title – Photo: Geoff Rounds

KERRY MADSEN could start his 2020 as a winner as he looks to wrap up the Queensland Speedway Spares World Series Sprintcars Speedweek at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway.

By GEOFF ROUNDS

Sitting on 997 points, Madsen holds a 46-point lead over James McFadden and American Cory Eliason both locked on 951 points ahead of Brock Hallett (946) and multiple WSS winner Brooke Tatnell (781).

Madsen’s form early in the 2019/20 and 33rd edition of the WSS tournament has seen him be a model of consistency throughout the three rounds that have raced so far, with podium placings in each round.

Wild weather forced the fourth round of the series to be cancelled at Avalon Raceway on Monday, turning attention to tonight’s event at Warrnambool.

Aboard the immaculate Krikke Motorsport machine, Madsen, (the Rookie of the Series last year), will be keen to win Speedweek after losing narrowly to Steven Lines last year by just 36 points with James McFadden in third.

With the final round really up for grabs tonight at Warrnambool, Madsen the 2018 Speedweek victor will be watching his main rival McFadden, who won at Warrnambool last Sunday night in convincing fashion.

Warrnambool resident James McFadden is in contention – Photo: Geoff Rounds

The Warrnambool resident and four-time WSS champion and three-time Speedweek champion (2012, 13 and 17) negotiated the field and tricky surface as an absolute professional behind the wheel of the Monte Motorsport #W17 and is an obvious favourite.

Diamond Bay Motorsport driver Eliason of California looks set to shine. Just like Madsen he is way overdue for a much-needed W against his name.

The revelation of the series has been South Australian Brock Hallett who lies in fourth, having defeated a list of his racing heroes to claim his maiden Sprintcar victory and a $20,000 payday at Murray Bridge Speedway on December 27.

Starting from ninth for the 35-lap main event, Hallett slipped back to tenth and few would’ve expected Hallett to have the car to catch leader Madsen, but he did.

The former two-time Australian Formula 500 Champion took just two laps to take Madsen’s lead and bring the impressive South Australian crowd to their feet.

Hallett is the dark horse but a strong chance to upset his more fancied rivals, and if he puts in a repeat performance tonight as he did in South Australia just five days ago we all might be a part of something very special.

WSS Speedweek points; Madsen 997, McFadden & Eliason 951, Hallett 946, Tatnell 781, Goodyer 725, Wolfe 719, Egel 716, Tranter 693 McHugh 666.

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