It is a West Australian drag racing icon, a ‘Boston Strangler’ branded funny car has been fixture of the West for decades. With next generation racer Madison Brown now behind the butterfly wheel, the name is heading east with the team making the long haul to Mildura’s Sunset Strip, chasing an Australian title.
Ian Brown originally debuted his ‘Boston Strangler’ alcohol funny car in the early 90s, it was a Oldsmobile Cutlass bodied car and he campaigned it for a number of years before selling the car to raise a family. Recently purchasing the car back, with his now grown daughter ready to race.
Daughter, Madison Brown was keen to follow her father’s footsteps, started her racing career like most second generation racers in Junior Dragster.
“I got into racing because of my dad, he has raced a few different cars before I was born, but most famously he drove the Boston Strangler funny car,” said Madison. “I always knew what dad used to do before I was born, and I wanted to be just like him.
“I started in Junior Dragster when I was 11 in a B/JD themed with a New York skyline, and named Madison Ave. At 13 we got a new Junior so I could step up into A/JD, this time it was called The Boston Strangler Jr, after my dad’s famous funny car.”
When it was time for Madison to step out of Junior Dragster at age 18, the team forgo the original funny car for her, in favour of adding the former Darren Difilippo Nitro Funny Car to the team. The chassis hosted a Toyota Celica body which was splashed in the same colour livery sporting the name “Boston Strangler II” to pay homage to the her father’s machine. A 516ci Big Block Chev was fitted, backed by a two-speed Turbo 400, and Madison licensed to race in Top Comp locally, and Competition Eliminator in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series under the BB/FCA designation, achieving a lifetime goal.
“Some of my biggest achievements on track include, getting my funny car licence, it has literally been a lifelong dream of mine,” she said. “My first run against my Dad was also huge, something I never thought to ever be possible.”
Now licensed, Madison is embarking on making a name for herself on the national scene. A runner-up finish at the Goldenstate Championships in November, has set her up well in the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series, and now will compete at the Twilight Nationals.
“We are running the event in an attempt to chase the Australian Title,” she said. “It would mean a lot to both myself, and my team to win. I never thought I’d ever be able to travel once I started racing a big car, but it’s a dream come true to even try to win.”
“The preparation of getting everything ready and packed has been huge, we have to think of every scenario as we are a long way from home.
“The car will be run with the same setup, just my driving will have to change for the 1/8th mile. Everything will happen a lot quicker!”
The Twilight Nationals begins this Friday/Saturday (February 17/18) at Sunset Strip, Mildura.
“I would like to thank my parents and my amazing crew, Bill, Trent, Declan, Tyler, and Amber. I would also like to thank my sponsors and all those who have helped me; Couplers, Dimoff Transmissions, Bill’s Small Engine Repairs, Penrite Oil, Applied Automotives,” concluded Madison.
