Kerry Madsen found himself back on top of the podium with his third win in five races in the World Series of Sprintcars at Premier Speedway in Warrnambool, Australia, on New Year's Day. Madsen started on the pole next to James McFadden, who was the victor in the second night of racing in the series.

Madsen added a fourth first-place placard by winning the WSS Speedweeks championship.

Madsen grabbled the lead over McFadden on lap one and was in front when the first caution of the night came out on lap five. Ryan Jones’ stoppage in turn four created the first restart and compromised the leaders. When Jones spun, he was in the lane ahead of Madsen and McFadden — who had trouble slowing and pushed the leader into the back of Jones’ stalled car.

That sent McFadden to the back of the pack and moved Jamie Veal onto the front row to join Madsen, who would recover to finish eighth.

Veal came on strong in the middle stages, briefly stealing the first position before a late-race caution for Jye O’Keeffe slowed the field once more. Madsen got the jump on the final restart and dominated the remaining laps.

Veal finished second.

When the field was under yellow with four to go, Jason Johnson ran third. However, his night was destined to end there, as he broke his front end and suffered yet another DNF.

Warrnambool, ??. QT! 2nd in points after heats. 4th in Dash. Running 3rd, 4 laps to go, front end broke under yellow.... tough luck, defines a team. We will come back strong again!

— Jason Johnson (@JasonJohnsonRac) January 1, 2018

Cory Eliason was the final podium finisher.

Darren Mollenyux finished fourth after starting fifth, and Bradley Keller completed the top five.

Back in seventh, Dominic Sclezi earned his first top 10 of the season.

By Victoria Beaver

Top 10 Finishers
1. Kerry Madsen
2. Jamie Veal
3. Cory Eliason
4. Darren Mollenoyux
5. Bradley Keller
6. Lachlan McHugh
7. Dominic Scelzi
8. James McFadden
9. Matt Egel
10. Glen Sutherland