With the exodus of visiting Americans following the Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic, the cream of the Australian talent traveled to the West Coast this week for the 60th edition of the Australian Sprint Car Championship.
The two-night event at the Perth Motorplex attracted a field of 52 competitors, down from the 100 or so that would normally contest a national title on the East Coast. The 2,500-mile trek across the continent has ensured that only the most competitive interstate teams will be racing at Western Australia’s premier oval.
Also missing is James McFadden, who has returned to the U.S. to begin his new season’s World of Outlaws campaign for Roth Motorsports.
Of the 52 entries for this weekend’s championship, 24 are local Western Australian drivers. The championship was last raced in Perth in 2009 when Brooke Tatnell won a successive title.
Kerry Madsen (Krikke Motorsports/Mobil) established his credentials for the title on the fast 550 yards oval, winning the Daniel Trucking Prelude on Wednesday evening. Madsen scored from Jamie Veal (SWI Earthworks) and Jason Kendrick (Triple M) in the 30-lap feature.
With Tyler Courtney back in the states, Matt Dumesny has the seat in the Monte Farms Motorsports car for the championship. James Inglis has replaced Cory Eliason as the Diamond Day Motorsports entry. Defending Australian champion Marcus Dumesny (Valvoline) heads the entries. He is joined by recent Classic winner Brock Hallett (GW Racing).
Multiple national champions, Brooke Tatnell (5-times) Kerry Madsen (4-times) and David Murcott, Robbie Farr and Jamie Veal (twice each) will also line-up for the title chase.