For the third consecutive year Kerry Madsen has put his name in the record books as the Australian Sprintcar Champion after a calculated drive at the Borderline Speedway in Mount Gambier. After starting from position three in the 40 lap Championship decider Madsen sat behind early pace setters James McFadden and Jamie Veal and only made his move for the lead with 8 laps remaining to defeat McFadden and South Australian Matt Egel in what was one the better Australian Championship finals seen in recent years.

“It was great to get it done tonight. You never expect to win three in a row, but it was a great result. The guys did a great job and the car was really nice in the A-Main and we went out with a strategy to be at the right place at the right time and it worked out. So yeah, it was a great win” added Kerry following his fourth title win.

Second placed James McFadden was understandably disappointed when he spoke after the race.

“We were pretty decent before it started taking rubber and I guess I just didn’t get down there fast enough and Kerry got the win. It was disappointing but that’s the way it goes” commented James.

In contrast third placed Matt Egel was ecstatic with the result bring up his second podium result of the weekend in the Downing Brothers #97 after starting from position 10.

“We had a good shot at it, but Kerry obviously found the rubber before me, but I will settle for third. Two podium results over the weekend and after starting from position 10 I can’t be happier for my guys. Mount Gambier has been pretty good to me over the years so to be on the podium in my home state is really cool” added Matt with a smile.

Following the top three across the line was Jamie Veal, who fell back two spots late in the race, with Darren Mollenoyux moving up from position 8 to record a top five result. Lachlan McHugh, Steven Lines, who came from the B-Main, Grant Anderson, Ian Madsen and Shaun Dobson rounding out the top 10.

The feature event began in dramatic fashion with Brooke Tatnell, who was chasing a sixth Championship, failed to make the field after stopping on track shortly after pushing off with an engine issue. This elevated young Queenslander Lachlan McHugh into the field as the first reserve and he didn’t let the opportunity slip as he charged to sixth as the flag fell after an impressive run on the bottom groove.

Robbie Farr was another to strike trouble early as his run only lasted two laps after contact in turn one forced him to retire.

The only other caution of the final came on lap 8 when local Glen Sutherland and Chad Ely made contact with both drivers ending the weekend on the infield.