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Ian Madsen sets sights on speedway’s Australian Sprint Car Grand Prix this Boxing Day

Ian Madsen might just be a kid who grew up in western Sydney, but now he’s the favourite to take out the main event on Boxing Day at Sydney Speedway.

Ian Madsen at Sydney Speedway ahead of the Boxing Day race, 2014.
Ian Madsen at Sydney Speedway ahead of the Boxing Day race, 2014.

Ian Madsen might just be a kid who grew up in western Sydney and loved going fast, but now he’s the favourite to take out the main event on Boxing Day in his own backyard at Sydney Speedway.

Madsen, from St Marys, has had a huge 2014, with his win at Knoxville highlighting his true skills as a driver.

Ian Madsen in action in the USA, in 2014.
Ian Madsen in action in the USA, in 2014.

And on Boxing Day, he will be taking on some of the best drivers in the world, in the hugely anticipated Australian Sprint Car Grand Prix.

“It’s a really great event out at Parramatta on Boxing Day,” the 30-year-old said.

“They always get a great crowd.

“I’m hoping for a win, but there’ll definitely be a lot of tough competition.

“There’s normally about 60 to 70 cars, so anything can happen and so at least a top three finish would be fantastic.”

Ian Madsen at Sydney Speedway ahead of the Boxing Day race, 2014.
Ian Madsen at Sydney Speedway ahead of the Boxing Day race, 2014.

Madsen has spent the better part of 2014 racing overseas and said that he was enjoying spending time around Christmas with his family and friends and was looking forward to racing on Boxing Day.

“I’ve been racing in America for about 10 months, so I’m loving being back and spending time with everyone,” he said.

“I didn’t race in last year’s event (at the speedway) because I was in Adelaide racing, but I won it two years’ ago and it’s something I really enjoy racing in.

“Parramatta has the best atmosphere and it’s the best speed track in Australia.”

Ian Madsen in action in the USA, in 2014.
Ian Madsen in action in the USA, in 2014.

After a stellar 2014, Madsen said that he is hoping to build on his performances in 2015.

“This year has been my best year to date,” he said.

“I won the Knoxville Championship which is a big deal over there.

“Next year we’ll head back and try to do it all again.

“They’re also adding anew national series to the schedule, so we’ll have a run at that.

“I head back in February, to race in Las Vegas, so it’s not a huge break here at home, but I’m loving it.”

Ian Madsen in the USA after winning Knoxville, in 2014.
Ian Madsen in the USA after winning Knoxville, in 2014.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/west/sport/ian-madsen-sets-sights-on-speedways-australian-sprint-car-grand-prix-this-boxing-day/news-story/9fe848e55bcb0e97696004562766d603