He leads all 30 laps for his second victory in the last three races and fifth this season

LEBANON, Ore. – Sept. 3, 2012 – Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!

For the second time in the last three World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series events, Australian Kerry Madsen emerged in Victory Lane with a big smile on his face. On Monday, Madsen led all 30 laps to claim the inaugural Outlaws race at Willamette Speedway.

“We’re definitely clicking and we’re taking advantage of our opportunities,” he said. “We’ve had some great draws. It looks easy when guys do that, but it’s hard. You have to have everything right and get the opportunity, and then when the opportunity presents itself you have to seize it. It’s hard to do with the World of Outlaws.”

In the only World of Outlaws event this season in Oregon, Madsen outlasted Donny Schatz in a race that featured only two cautions, tough traffic and one angry Sammy Swindell.

After driving around polesitter Jonathan Allard for the lead to complete the first lap, Madsen entered traffic as he exited turn two on the sixth lap. However, by the time he was in turn three, the red flag was out following a collision between Allard and Swindell. (more…)

He leads all 35 laps to claim his first career World of Outlaws feature victory

ALGER, Wash. – Sept. 1, 2012 – As confetti littered the frontstretch and the crowd roared, hugs and high fives were distributed around a grinning Travis Jacobson like he just won the Showcase Showdown on “The Price is Right.”

In a way, he did.

Jacobson led all 35 laps to claim the $12,000 prize in his first career World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series feature victory on a brisk Saturday night at Skagit Speedway, where the wild celebration began once the Lake Stevens, Wash., native crossed beneath the checkered flags.

“I’m just in awe,” he said wearing an ear-to-earn smile. “I grew up watching guys like Sammy Swindell and Steve Kinser. To be able to compete with those guys is more than a dream come true. Racing has been my passion since I could turn a car, so it’s very, very special to me.”

Jacobson has established a successful career at Skagit Speedway. He’s won the last three 360 Nationals titles and earned the 360 track championship last season. Jacobson also recorded the 410 track title in 2006. (more…)

Attrition takes a toll on top-five cars, including two drivers in the hunt for Outlaws title

ALGER, Wash. – Aug. 31, 2012 – Once Kerry Madsen crossed the finish line with the checkered flag waving behind him, it was safe to breathe.

Up to that point, not so much.

Five drivers had a bid for the victory end in contact or mechanical failure during World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series action on Friday evening at Skagit Speedway, which wraps up the Outlaws schedule in Washington on Saturday. Opening Ceremonies are slated for 7 p.m.

Madsen overcame a near mess of his own after colliding with Donny Schatz for the lead on a restart en route to his fourth World of Outlaws feature win of the season.

“Any of these races is tough to win,” Madsen said. “When you get around the front five, there’s not a lot of give and take. Luckily we had track position.”

The front row starters battled side by side for the opening lap before Schatz edged Madsen at the line to lead the first lap. He maintained the advantage as the drivers entered traffic on lap six. However, Cody Darrah spun in turn two on lap 11 to cause the first caution of the race.

Attrition to cars in the top five began to take its toll on the restart as fourth-running Tim Kaeding pulled to the infield following an engine issue around the same time there was contact for the lead.

As Schatz and Madsen took the green flag and raced toward turn one, a slight collision occurred near the flag stand. The contact was enough to flatten the left rear tire for Schatz, who dropped several positions before stopping on the frontstretch on lap 13 for a caution. (more…)