Hirst, who started from position two, won the drag into the first corner and was never challenged in a non-stop 40-lap final at Allansford's Premier Speedway.

Hirst shattered the seven-year-old race record as he claimed his first Classic from three-time winner Brooke Tatnell and the surprise packet of the weekend, Albury's unheralded Grant Anderson.

The 27-year-old from Sacramento slashed more than a minute off the previous 40-lap track record, set by Sydneysider Kerry Madsen in 2008. His time was seven minutes, 42.42 seconds, well inside the previous mark of 8.55.57.

Hirst was jubilant when he crossed the finish line shortly after 2am, with screams of joy audible on the infield before he had cut his motor.

"I don't know how we did it, we've done it," he beamed.

"The biggest win of my career."

He heaped praise on Western Australian car owner Luch Monte and crew for giving him an "awesome" car.

It's the second win by a Californian in two years with Tim Kaeding triumphing last year. Kaeding was among the first to congratulate him, giving him a hug on the infield.

Tatnell was disappointed at running second for the fourth time in his distinguished career but was quick to congratulate Hirst.

"There wasn't a lot you could do, I tried up high early," he said.

"They deserve it, they did the best job. Disappointed for my guys, we had the best manouverable car all weekend."

Anderson, 34, was thrilled to finish third, the best performance of his career, which has included about a dozen Classics.

"It's definitely the greatest achievement in my career," he said. 

 "I ran fourth a couple of years ago from the back. Each year it just gets harder and harder. To be up there with the big names, it's a great achievement. This is only my 10th meeting of the year. We just don't do enough racing. But the guys have given me a great car, it's a great achievement."

Warrnambool's Jamie Veal was the best-placed local driver, climbing from 18th to 14th, one spot ahead of Darren Mollenoyux. American Lucas Wolfe, driving the Warrnambool-owned Droste Motorsport car was 12th.

Pole-sitter, national champion Dave Murcott, was forced to retire on lap four with a mechanical issue.

A crowd of about 10,500 people packed the circuit for the final night of the three-day Classic. But overnight rain and then strong, drying winds, made track preparations difficult. The program was delayed in the final heat of the night when South Australian Brad Keller had to be cut from his wrecked car following a spectacular rollover. He was complaining of back pain and was taken to hospital.

Then, with eight laps remaining in the first of two B mains, rain forced a halt to proceedings. Racing was delayed by more than 90 minutes but the slick track had become a high-speed test of horsepower, ruling out a lot of passing.

The Classic stretched into a fourth day with the final not starting until 1.54am.

The final placings were:

1. Kyle Hirst (2)

2. Brooke Tatnell (6)

3. Grant Anderson (3)

4. Ian Madsen (4)

5. Kerry Madsen (5)

6. Jac Haudenschild (7)

7. Daryn Pittman (8)

8. Robbie Farr (12)

9. Daniel Pestka (17)

10. Danny Reidy (9)

11. Max Johnston (10)

12. Lucas Wolfe (11)

13. Brad Sweet (14)

14. Jamie Veal (18)

15. Darren Mollenoyux (15)

16. Christopher Bell (19)

17. Trevor Green (21)

18. Chad Ely (23)

19. Ryan Jones (13)

20. Jason Sides (22)

21. Max Dumesny (20)

*22. Luke Dillon (16)

*23. Ian Loudoun (24)

*24. Dave Murcott (1)

() indicates starting positions

* did not finish