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KERRY MADSEN TO PILOT MATT WOOD RACING 17W PART TIME FOR REMAINDER OF 2016
PA Sprint Car News | Justin Snyder
Knoxville, Iowa | August 22, 2016
When Bryan Clauson passed away two weeks ago due to severe injuries sustained from a crash during the USAC Belleville Midget Nationals in Kansas, it sent shockwaves through the racing community.
Tributes and prayers poured in from all over the country with many tracks holding vigils to honor him and a multitude of teams sporting a decal or tying a green ribbon to their cars in his memory.
Fans were treated to an especially touching tribute during the 56th running of the 5-hour ENERGY Knoxville Nationals when NASCAR driver, and close friend of Clauson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. paced the field in Bryan's Matt Wood Racing #17W before the feature event. It served as one last time for family, friends, and fans to see the car take to the dirt with a fitting sendoff as they followed it up by “parking it” in victory lane for the remainder of the night's event. However, that may have not been the last time that 17W sits in Victory Lane.
After some time to remember their friend and take everything in, the car and team will return to action with veteran driver, Kerry Madsen, at the helm at the Knoxville Speedway Saturday night.
“Their mechanic put a few feelers out and got a hold of me and wanted to know if I’d consider getting in the car,” said Madsen, who recently wrapped up his American portion of his schedule in the Keneric Racing No. 29. “I know they have a lot going on and a lot of emotions attached to that car. I just hope I can get out there and give the car a good run in honor of Bryan and see if we can’t win.”
It was only four days ago that it was announced that Keneric Racing was shutting down it’s American-based Sprint car team to focus on Australian ventures and Madsen found himself without a stateside ride for the first time since 2010.
While he will continue to drive for the team in his native Australia, “The Madman” was left to ponder his options for the rest of the 2016 season. When the opportunity came up to drive the 17W, it was the perfect situation for Madsen to get back in a car and not have to commit to a weekly series or set number of events.
“This was the perfect situation and they had a few races they still wanted to run in honor of Bryan,” said Madsen. “It’s an opportunity in good equipment and I’m thrilled to be the guy to help them out.”
After multiple years traveling with the World of Outlaws series, 2016 had already been a "scaled back" season for the driver.
“It’s been a hectic couple of years travelling up and down the road every night of the week. I honestly just got tired of the grind of things,” said Madsen, who has wins this year with the Outlaws at Eldora Speedway, as well as three National Sprint League victories. “This fit my wants and needs perfectly as a driver and it is what the team wanted to do, so we will see how it goes and try to have a little fun.”
While the opportunity is great for him on a professional level, he is also excited to help in remembering Clauson.
“You know, it’s going to be a little hard at first, I am sure. It is definitely a unique situation,” said Madsen about filling in for the late champion. “The last thing I want to do is try to replace Bryan Clauson. If I can go out and give this car some good runs while bringing a few smiles to these guys faces, then this will be a success. I think the whole racing community could use a little pick me up, and I am happy to be a part of this deal.”
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