![Kerry Madsen celebrates his Australian Open victory](https://speedcafe.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kerry-Madsen-wins-Australian-Open-344x218.png)
Australian sprintcar star Kerry Madsen produced a dominant drive to win the coveted Australian Open title at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway.
The American based Madsen surged to the front after just four of the 50 scheduled laps where he maintained his advantage until the chequered flag.
World Series Sprintcars championship leader Brooke Tatnell pushed Madsen hard throughout the flag-to-flag feature but was unable to find a way by the World of Outlaws racer.
In the end, Tatnell was left to settle for second while World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz powered from seventh to claim the final spot on the podium.
“I saw an opportunity to go for the lead and took it and was really surprised to be out in front so early considering how we thought our strategy would play out,” said Madsen.
“After being schooled by Donny (Schatz) last night, I spent the whole 50 laps wondering when I would see him poke his nose under but thankfully it didn’t happen.”
Steven Lines came through to finish fourth ahead of Australian champion Dave Murcott who scythed his way from 13th to fifth at the flag.
James McFadden was sixth while Jamie Veal, Andrew Scheuerle and the American duo of Brad Sweet and Kyle Hirst completed the top 10.
Tatnell leads the championship standings by 38 points from Veal ahead of the series’ visit to Murray Bridge on February 5.