Knoxville knowledge and momentum is with the Madsen boys
Knowledge and momentum will be a big advantage when the brothers Madsen go for Sprintcar glory at the 54th running of the Nationals at Knoxville.
With big wins on the Outlaws tour, backed up by in creditable consistency Kerry Madsen is at the top of his game .The Kings Royal and the recent Iron Man 55 trophies are safely secure in the team’s race shop.
Kerry Madsen Knoxville bound
The younger of the St Mary’s boys Ian, not to be outdone has himself bagged two recent trophies , most recent being the Capitani Classic at the Iowa track over Brian Brown and brother Kerry
Ian Madsen
Kerry sits is fourth place behind Donny Schatz on the Outlaw tour while Ian leads Justin Henderson in the Knoxville Track Championship.
The boys from St Marys will need to overcome 108 other Sprintcar drivers all with the same burning desire to hold the Knoxville Championship trophy aloft, not to mention the purse of $150,000.
Who are the dangers to an Australian victory, certainly defending and 7 times Champion Donny Schatz must be the main danger. At this time of the year the man from Fargo North Dakota always seems to be on a winning streak.Schatz’s sent a loud and clear message when he shut out all comers during the three shows across the Canadian border.
110 competitors will face qualifying that starts Wednesday Knoxville time .Australians due to run their qualifying on Wednesday are Lynton Jeffery, Brooke Tatnell and Glen Saville. The Australians will join 53 others that include Donny Schatz, Sammy Swindell and USAC Midget Champ Christopher Bell.
Thursday and 54 more hopefuls will try to qualify. Joining Kerry Madsen and Ian will be former Australian and World Series Champion James McFadden when they will put down their times and race for a spot in the big Money Championship Feature.
Young McFadden has been impressive during his time behind the wheel of the #G3 car and recent wins in strong Company and a third behind Donny Schatz in Canada will give real confidence as he hits the Knoxville track.
All the Outlaws, the All Stars and the Pennsylvania and Ohio boys will all fancy their chance .Its
prediction time if I game .
In any sport form is vital, local knowledge must be an advantage. This Championship more than any other has the ability to bring the best out .Luck of course will always play a part
It is a brave man to go past Donny Schatz but I think he might have peaked a tick too early. Sammy Swindell and Craig Dollansky have been working the Knoxville track this season so I guess they will be set up perfectly .McMahan and Gravel have the speed and determination to win and have been strong all year .You can’t leave the low rider Blaney out of any selection.
Considering all thing I think that this year we might see history made at Knoxville. Talking Speedway’s selection for the 54th Knoxville Championship is
Kerry Madsen, Ian Madsen, Brian Brown. A bold selection but based on recent forms and track knowledge.
My outsider for the Championship is Rico Abreu, a little man making a big statement 
