Krikke announced via its website that the American-based Madsen, a popular visitor to Warrnambool, had joined the team for season 2018-19.

Team manager Ryan Krikke told the team’s website he was excited to have the four-time Australian champion on board.

“As one of, if not the most successful Australian driver, Kerry’s record both here in Australia and America speaks for itself. He is the ultimate professional both on and off the track and the perfect fit for our team,” he said.

Krikke said the bar was being set high for the experienced driver.

“No driver has ever been able to win the World Series Sprintcars Championship, the Australian Championship and the Grand Annual Classic in one season so that’s what we’re going to shoot for (if schedule allows) and with Madsen behind the wheel, we’re confident that we’ll have what it takes to try and achieve that,” he said.