The reaction of United States gun Craig Dollansky said it all after a classic three-way tussle in the Australia versus America Challenge on Saturday night.

Regular US visitor Dollansky started from position three in the challenge behind triple Classic winner Kerry Madsen and in-form Sydneysider Ian Loudoun.

But it didn’t take Dollansky long to get in the mix.

Loudoun hit the front after an initial false start when Madsen tried to sneak a break and there was only a lap down when Dollansky rounded up Madsen and set sail after Loudoun.

What followed was a thrilling battle between the US gunslinger and the underrated Loudoun.

Dollansky persisted in angling for inside runs through turn three and Loudoun doggedly watched him go past and then clawed his way back around the outside. Madsen even started a move and had a brief shot at passing Dollansky but a caution light with just 10 of 25 laps remaining cast a different light on the race when WA star Ryan Farrell touched the wall exiting turn three.

Dollansky took over, Madsen surged past Loudoun and that was the finishing order.

The American was clearly delighted to have earned the win, raising his arms in triumph after jumping out of his car on the infield.

The win came after the crew put in an all-night and most of the day effort to rebuild the car after drama at Mount Gambier on Friday night.

Dollansky said he couldn’t be prouder of his support team.

“They put in a lot of elbow grease. The reward is to win this race,” he said.

“This is the best car I’ve had over here. Friday night was a blessing in disguise — the crew had to rebuild the car.

“It’s a great reward for everyone involved and I just want to thank everyone.”

Dollansky paid tribute to Loudoun and Madsen. He said Madsen was highly rated in the United States while Loudoun had also impressed him.

“Kerry is a very serious racer. To come away with a win is very pleasing,” he said.

After the race Madsen was left looking forward to last night’s Grand Annual Classic decider.

“We didn’t need the yellow (caution). We need long runs,” he said.

“I was able to watch Ian and Craig go at it for a while and then I was able to get amongst it. I drove it as hard as I could.

“The throttle was wide open. I’m looking forward to the 40 laps of the Classic. The long runs suit us,” he said.

Loudoun revealed that Dollansky had raced very fairly.

“He could have lent on me a lot harder. It was early in the race when that happened,” he said.

“I had a crack.

“He had me up on the wall. It’s great to race against blokes like Craig and Kerry,” he said.