MCFADDEN WINS KNOXVILLE MAJOR
James McFadden took the win at Knoxville Raceway – Photo: Richard Hathaway
JAMES MCFADDEN has stamped himself as one of the hot favourites to win the world’s biggest Sprintcar race later this week after creating history in America last weekend.
By GEOFF ROUNDS
The Warrnambool superstar’s tight and gutsy win in the 360ci Knoxville Nationals in America’s mid west sees him became the first Australian to win the event in its 29 year history.
His focus now turns to becoming the first Australian to win the world’s biggest and most prestigious Sprintcar race, the Knoxville Nationals for 410 cubic inch powered cars in America’s midwest.
From pole position the two-time Australian Sprintcar champion drove the Kasey Kahne-owned #9 to victory from track specialist Brian Brown and Wayne Johnson and pocketed $15,000 for his efforts.
“I’m over the moon. This thing ripped. That was a hard race, it felt like 40 laps, not 25. I’m just pumped,” McFadden said.
“Any laps that end in a trip to Victory Lane are always good ones, but tonight was extra special. This #9 team is (now) eyes forward for the rest of the week.”
It was McFadden’s second major win at the world-famous venue after winning Friday night’s preliminary feature and grabbing a points haul of 495 of a possible 500 to share the front row with Joey Saldana.
South Australian Scott Bogucki was the only other Australian in the field and he finished in 23rd place after completing just nine laps of the 25-lap feature.
Defending champion Terry McCarl was aiming for his sixth win Nationals win but finished in 18th place.
Rusty Hickman grabbed the final transfer in the D-Main and came from 24th in the C-Main to finish in 12th place. Brodie Tulloch and Glen Saville did not start in the E-Main.
All the Australians will now prepare for this week’s huge four nights of the 59th Knoxville Nationals for 410ci Sprintcars which is likely to have nearly 10 Australians competing and all vying for the $150,000 first prize.
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