News Director 
Story By: TOM BOGGIE / ALBANY-SARATOGA SPEEDWAY – MALTA, NY – There are few things in dirt track racing more difficult than winning a Friday night modified feature at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.
That’s why Brian Madsen continues to dangle a juicy carrot for anyone who can record back-to-back wins.
The Madsen Overhead Doors Back-to-Back bonus will once again be in effect during the 2022 racing season. Any modified driver who can win two features in a row during the points season will receive a $500 bonus.
Last year, 13-time champion Ken Tremont Jr. became the first driver to claim the bonus, winning on June 4 and June 11. The bonus went unclaimed during the COVID-19-shortened season in 2020.
There were also no back-to-back winners in 2019, even though 10 different drivers made their way to victory lane during the regular season.
Madsen and Mark Flach Jr. of Flach Performance Products, created the bonus as an incentive for drivers who are committed to racing at Albany-Saratoga Speedway. To claim the bonus, a driver must win two features in a row, pass inspection following the second win and then return the following Friday night. Those stipulations will remain in effect in 2022.
Although he’s only had to dip into his wallet once in the last two seasons, Madsen knows things can change quickly, if one or two of the regulars get on a hot streak.
“It’s bound to happen one of these years,” said Madsen.
Matt DeLorenzo pulled off back-to-back wins on July 13 and July 20 in 2018. During the 2017 season, Brett Hearn, who used to drive Madsen’s potent modified at Albany-Saratoga, Marc Johnson and Peter Britten all recorded back-to-back victories. Hearn also put together a four-race win streak in 2015.
Madsen is a familiar face in the pits at Albany-Saratoga, supporting the racing career of his son, Dylan. Dylan Madsen, who made his racing debut during the 2020 season, chalked up three wins and finished second in points in the limited sportsman division last season, losing the title to Bryce Breault by seven points on the final night of the season. Madsen will be moving up to join the star-studded NPS Sportsman field this season.
Brian Madsen could have another car at Albany-Saratoga this season. Flach climbed behind the wheel of Madsen’s big block at Lebanon Valley late in the 2020 campaign, and they’ve been kicking around the idea of adding Friday nights to their program in 2022.
“We really haven’t decided on a full schedule yet,” said Madsen. “We’re still hashing it all out.”
Albany-Saratoga Speedway promoter Lyle DeVore has already announced that he plans to begin the racing season on Friday, April 1. The entire 2022 schedule is still being finalized.
