INDIANAPOLIS – Sam McGhee Motorsports has hired Ian Madsen to compete in the final five races of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season.

The Australian ace will take the wheel of the team’s familiar No. 11 sprint car, replacing Zeb Wise, who parted ways with the organization Monday afternoon.

Madsen comes to the McGhee team from Baughman-Reutzel Motorsports, where he’s been competing since his release from KCP Racing over the summer.

“There were a couple of drivers that we were bouncing around (in conversation) to call … and there was talk going around the pit area that Ian might be available or become available, and I was like, ‘Well, why not call Ian?’” McGhee said. “So I texted him and talked to him for a bit, and he was all excited, saying, ‘Yeah, when can I bring my seat out?’

“With Ian’s experience level, he’s been there and done that so many times between Knoxville (Raceway) and the Outlaw tour that we know he’s going to go out there and just run the crap out of it and make the thing go as best he can,” McGhee added. “We’re excited to have him with us to close out this year.”

Madsen has two top-five and 12 top-10 finishes in 18 feature starts this season with the World of Outlaws. His season best is a runner-up result, earned during the Outlaws’ Return to Racing in May at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway.

The McGhee team is seeking its second win of the year and hopes to accomplish that feat with Madsen behind the wheel. Wise took the No. 11 to victory lane at Fremont (Ohio) Speedway on Sept. 26.