JAMES McFadden was close to ruling out ever going back to the US to race at the end of 2018.
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But after a stellar 10-race season with Kasey Kahne Racing in 2019 which helped set the foundations for his 2020 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic victory, the 30-year-old's desire to race overseas has been fully restored.
"Kasey and (crew chief) Justin (Adams) and the whole crew there have really got behind me and something that was a 10-race deal has really turned my career around," the Monte Motorsport driver said.
"I was done with America and I was happy to hang the hat up and not go over there so much anymore.
"I think my fire went out a little bit over there and it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be.
"Then with this opportunity they really re-lit it and put some more wood in there and I'm burning away pretty strongly inside to go race over there and compete well.
"The opportunity to race with the (World of) Outlaws is something that I have dreamed about for a long time... and it's something I am really looking forward to."
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McFadden, who claimed his second classic victory over fellow Warrnambool resident Jamie Veal and American-based Sydney-sider Kerry Madsen, will fly over to the states following this weekend's Australian Sprintcar Championship in Tasmania.
"I'm pumped for the opportunity as it's my first time going to Florida," the former Northern Territory resident said.
"I have been watching a lot of DIRTVision and trying to study (the track at Volusia Speedway Park).
"It looks a bit fast so coming from a small track in Tasmania to Volusia is going to take a bit of time to tuck the elbows back in.
"I'm excited for the opportunity with KKR (Kasey Kahne Racing)."
He and Madsen will head to Volusia for the 48th DIRTcar Nationals, which doubles as a round of the World Of Outlaws series.
But before their American trip, the duo will be aiming for success at the national titles at Latrobe Speedway.
McFadden is chasing his third Australian title after finishing runner-up in his past two attempts. As for Madsen, the 48-year-old is eyeing off a fifth title.
Fellow classic podium finisher Jamie Veal is also heading over to Tasmania for the titles.
Veal is yet to salute at the event and has been on the podium three times, including a third place last year behind Queenslander Andrew Scheuerle and McFadden.
Thirty-nine cars have nominated for this year's titles. Mailors Flat's Peter Doukas and Terang's Jack Lee are two other south-west drivers heading down to Tasmania this weekend.
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Something that was a 10-race deal has really turned my career around.
- James McFadden