Kerry Madsen Looks for First Knoxville Nationals Title
Leads the points heading into the second qualifier night
KNOXVILLE, Iowa — Aug. 8, 2014 — Kerry Madsen has seen his share of success this season scoring World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series wins at two of the biggest events on the schedule – the Kings Royal and the Ironman 55.
With those two wins under his belt, Madsen and his American Racing Custom Wheels team has its sights set on another title, one that has eluded the former Knoxville Raceway track champion and Knoxville, Iowa, resident in his career, the legendary Knoxville Nationals.
The track has featured prominently into Madsen’s career over the years – he scored his first victory at Knoxville in 1998 and became a track champion in 2005.
Madsen said the laps he and crew chief Tyler Swank have at Knoxville helps as they prepare to take on Saturday’s feature. They also bring the confidence of a season that includes five victories, 31 top-five finishes and five quick times.
“I think it helps because we’ve done so well so far, the whole year is not hinged on having a good Knoxville Nationals,” Madsen said. “You are comfortable that every time you get out, the car is going to be fast and if something goes wrong or doesn’t go well, it’s not the end of the world.”
Still, Madsen hedged. “You’re still apprehensive because it is the Nationals and you know how hard it is.”
Madsen credits his success this season to crew chief Tyler Swank, who took over the American Racing Custom Wheels team before the start of the year, and the three and half years of work that has gone into building Keneric Racing.
“It’s been the culmination… each year we’ve gotten better as an organization,” Madsen said. “And the second part is that Tyler Swank has given me exceptional racecars. We’re not worried about winning every race, we’re just happy with good finishes. It’s been a blast.”
With Wednesday’s postponed qualifying feature still to be run, Madsen heads into Saturday with third place finishes at Knoxville’s Capitani Classic and Thursday night’s qualifier, and a six point lead over second place Brian Brown.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing what happens.”
The World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: American Racing Custom Wheels (Official Custom Wheel), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Lincoln Welders (Official Welder), STP (Official Fuel Treatment), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Bruce High Performance Transporters, Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, JE Pistons, KSE Racing Products, Mobil 1, MSD, Sweet Manufacturing, and Superflow Dynos; along with manufacturer sponsors, including: ButlerBuilt, Intercomp, J&J Auto Racing, Jake’s Carts, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo and TNT Rescue.
