Any West Australian drag racing fan can immediately identify with the ‘Boston Strangler’ name, the iconic branding has been terrorising the West Coast drag strips for decades. Now, second-generation racer Madison Brown is continuing that legacy in National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) sportsman competition.
The original ‘Boston Strangler’ alcohol funny car was debuted by Ian Brown in the early 90s, it hosted a classic Oldsmobile Cutlass body and was campaigned for many years before selling the car to raise a family. Brown, recently purchasing the car back, with his now grown daughter ready to race.
Daughter, Madison 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.”
At age 18 it was time for Madison to step out of the junior class, 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 was adorned by a sleek late model Toyota Celica body which was splashed in the same colour livery sporting the name “Boston Strangler II” to pay homage to her father’s machine. An alcohol burning 516ci Big Block Chev was fitted, backed by a two-speed Turbo 400, and Madison licensed to race in Competition Eliminator 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 too ever be possible.”
Now licensed, Madison is embarking on making a name for herself on the national scene. A runner-up finish at the Goldenstates Championship last November set her up to finish second in last year’s national sportsman championship. Her new challenge will be the inaugural NDRC Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship and the thrill sportsman racing brings.
“I love the chase for perfection, every time you go out on that track you strive to cut the best light and run your best time. A new series is always exciting, and I cannot wait to start competing in the NDRC sportsman series,” said Madison.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how well the events turn out, we will see how things go at the Goldenstates. We having been working on the car, changing gear ratios in an attempt to make it run quicker. We believe we may be able to challenge for the track record in Perth which would be cool in the short term, but looking ahead I just want to work on my skills to become a better driver, and potentially win some events along the way.
“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,”
