American-based Sydneysider Kerry Madsen produced quickest time on night one to again announce himself as a contender.

But the reigning Australian champion – he will attempt to defend that title in Parramatta next week – said he understood how hard it was to win the Premier Speedway showcase.

“One little hiccup and you’re not going to be in the A-Main, so we aim to make the A-Main and worry about that then,” Madsen said.

Madsen posted 11.913 in flight one with American Brad Sweet (12.419) taking out fastest-time honours in flight two.

The track, recovering after 30 millimetres hit Warrnambool in the 24 hours preceding the race, caused some drivers grief in qualifying with some coming to blows with the wall.

“It’s not the be-all end-all but it’s points and you want to go quick,” Madsen said of topping the fastest list.

“It gives you a front row start (in a heat) and it’s just a good way to start the event.”

Madsen said he was pleased with his form – at home and away – leading into the Classic.

“I thought our ‘16 season in the US was awesome. We won a bunch of races and this season in Australia’s been great,” he said.

“We won the Australian Open in Brisbane a couple of weeks ago and we’ve been on the podium a lot of times.

“We’ve got a fast car so if we keep rolling around and stay out of trouble, we get good results.”

Madsen hopes to defend his Australian title crown next week too but understands he must overcome hurdles to do so.

“It’s the same deal (as here), there’s so many cars and it’s hard to think about winning,” he said.

“You’ve just got to work as hard as you can and prepare and try and get yourself in a position to have a go a the end, that’s the hard bit.”

Crashes were prevalent in the heats which went the way of Madsen (heat one), Brooke Tatnell (two), Brad Sweet (three), Steven Lines (four), Jackson Delamont (five), Braydan Willmington (six), Peter Milnes (seven) and Ben Atkinson (eight).

South-west drivers John Vogels, Tim Rankin, Corey McCullagh and Jack Lee qualified for the A-Main directly through the heats. 

McCullagh started the night strongly, posting the third fastest time in flight one qualifying. Visiting drivers Luke Oldfield, Jackson Delamont, Jake Tranter and Craig Vanderstelt booked a spot in the 24-car A-Main after strong performances in the B-Main. The super rods final, which was the penultimate event, was moved to after the A-Main.