WARRNAMBOOL sprintcar racer James McFadden has broken through to collect his first big checkered flag in America with victory in the Knoxville 360 Nationals.
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McFadden, who was driving the number nine car for Kasey Kahne Racing, started on the front row after collecting his maiden victory in the city and scoring the most passing points during the preliminary feature race.
The four-time World Series Sprintcars champion led for a majority of the race before holding off the field to take the win from 2014 event champion Missouri's Brian Brown and Oklahoma's Wayne Johnson.
"I'm super pumped," McFadden said of his victory in the 29th edition of the race.
"Last night was cool to stand on the front straight at Knoxville but to do it tonight in the 360 Nationals is huge.
"It's something you strive to win here at Knoxville and to do it now is super cool."
McFadden, who became the first Australian to win the title, praised his crew for helping get him over the line.
"My Wicked Energy Gum guys are doing really good job. The whole time I have been here has been super fun," he said.
"The results are coming now and it's really cool."
McFadden will now begin his preparations for the 59th edition of the 410 Nationals, which runs at the same venue from August 7-10.
"The intensity level steps up again come 410 Nationals but I think we really have a good package," he said.
"I haven't done much 360 racing but it's super cool to get it done tonight. I didn't know what to expect but I feel like our car is good whether it has a 410 or 360 (engine) in it... so bring on this week."