Boasting an impressive average finish of 7.6 in 2023, Down currently sits a comfortable second in the standings behind Synergy Sim Racings James Scott heading into Belle Isle.

We took the time to sit down with Madison Down in the buildup to next Wednesday’s Sebring Super Sprint, touching base on the recent round at Red Bull Ring, Jake Burton’s TTR return & the upcoming endurance cup.

R: It’s been another solid round for you at Red Bull Ring, collecting yet another solid haul of points. Now sitting second in the championship, what is the key moving forward to continue reducing the gap to championship leader James Scott?

MD: Easiest way to win is to be fast, so that's the primary focus above all for me. We've had good consistency this year but a few unforced errors from my end have definitely put us on the back foot. The last few rounds the focus has been to be fast enough to win, but focus on the big picture instead of just the next corner.

R: With only 1 remaining round before we embark on the 2023 Endurance Cup, there’s been very little word on who may line up alongside yourself in the #77 Trans Tasman Racing Commodore. Given your well and truely in contention for the championship, have you given much thought as to who could possibly find themselves paired alongside you in 2023?

MD: Truthfully, I have no idea who will be alongside me in the Enduros! It's not something that has crossed our minds but in the next few weeks we'll be working towards finalising those pairings in Trans Tasman Racing. We have three drivers in the Top 5 so it is important to ensure that we put our best foot forward in these races to ensure the best possible result across the year. Honestly though, I don't think there will be many changes in our line up versus what you saw in 2022, however, applications are open!

R: The Motorsport Australia Logitech G Pro Invitational Cup heads to Belle Isle for round 7 of the 2023 championship on the 9th of August. In 2022 you found yourself runner up to series champion Jarrad Filsell around the concrete canyon. Do you feel like yourself and TTR are in a much stronger position heading back to this particular circuit?

MD: Its a tough track, so different to all of the others on the calendar with no room for error. Anything can happen around a street circuit but again, a fast race car will solve many problems. If we can put ourselves up the front in qualfiying that will be a big part in staying out of trouble. From a personal point of view, it hasn't been the strongest of tracks for me in the past so to grab a podium here last year was a solid result. Filsell will no doubt be fast once again and tough to beat, we just need to run our own race and remember who we are fighting in the points standings. It is extrememly close at the top end of town this year and it really is anyone's race every time we hit the track.

R: Trans Tasman Racing has had an extremely strong lineup for a number of years now. Has the inclusion of Jake Burton to the 2023 lineup been a big step forward for the team? It must be a big boost to be able to include someone with the experience & talent of Jake?

MD: It's been massive I believe for the success of the team. Yes, we are always fast here at Trans Tasman Racing however to have that extra driver to compare data with and bounce ideas off with the strong talent that is Jake Burton has been a great addition in 2023. Jake and I have worked together in recent years to some great success in the Supercars Eseries with Brad Jones Racing so it made sense to reunite Burton and Trans Tasman Racing this year to give ourselves the best possible chance to win races. It helps that we are also all just great mates with each other, the team environment overall this year has been fantastic and a genuinely enjoyable place to be.

The Logitech G Pro Invitational Cup heads to Belle Isle on the 9th of August for the second super sprint round of 2023. The championship is tight at the top, the fight is on! Who will reign supreme?