CONCORD, N.C. — Popular Australian sprint car racer Ian Madsen has announced his retirement.
Madsen, 39, made the announcement on his Instagram page on Thursday morning.
“It is with great sadness that today after 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from sprint car racing,” Madsen said. “This was not an easy decision. Perhaps the most difficult of my life.
“I arrived at this decision for a myriad of reasons. After the completion of the last two to three seasons, I have been stuck at the proverbial fork in the road,” Madsen added. “This time felt different; like a receding glacier, we all know this will come one day. Still, it doesn’t make it easier. I do not know a world outside of racing, nor do I know if I will have anything to offer my new world. This is both terrifying and exciting for me.”
Madsen was the 2018 World of Outlaws Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year driving for KCP Racing and in recent seasons has battled injuries and jumped from one ride to another.
The highlight of Madsen’s 2023 season was qualifying for the Knoxville Nationals in an entry fielded by fellow Australian driver Lynton Jeffrey.
Madsen owns four World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series victories and he is the younger brother of driver Kerry Madsen.
“In racing I have experience the vast array of all the emotions life has to offer,” Madsen wrote. “Triumph, tragedy, and everything in between. A great man once said, ‘Scratch a cynic at the surface and you will find a disappointed idealist.’ I hope this decision will help me discover the once youthful idealist.”
Madsen is also a two-time Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway champion and the winner of 12 features at the venerable half-mile oval.