James McFadden is the new Grand Annual Sprintcar Champion after leading all 40 laps in what proved to be a torrid final at the Sungold Stadium at Warrnambool. After finishing as the second highest points scorer, behind Brooke Tatnell, James started the final on the pole after Tatnell elected to start on the outside and at the drop of the green McFadden used the bottom to his advantage as jumped into the lead, a position he would never relinquish.

“This was one of those races I just thought would elude me. I have had some really bad luck at this race over years and finally we got it” added James shortly after the final.

Second across the line in an outstanding performance was local hero Darren Mollenoyux who grabbed the runner-up position from Brooke Tatnell shortly after the late race caution for Matt Egel who rolled in turn two after contact with American Carson Macedo.

Brooke would hold onto third ahead of a fast finishing Brad Sweet with Australian Champion Kerry Madsen rounding out the top 5. Earlier Madsen had been challenging Tatnell for second before fading back. South Australian Luke Dillon enjoyed a great result finishing sixth with Kyle Hirst, Ian Madsen, Steven Lines and David Murcott completing the top 10.

With McFadden setting a cracking pace out front and all 24 cars circulating atone point it appeared that the race may go flag to flag until a series of stoppages late in the race claimed a number of victims.

The first caution came out with 14 laps remaining as Californian Dominic Scelzi spun in turn two bringing out the first caution. The race would only run a further two laps before Bard Keller hit a rut in turn two rolling out of contention while running in eighth. The final stoppage of the race occurred on lap 35 as Engel rolled in turn two.

From that point, McFadden held on to add the Classic trophy to his impressive resume to go along with his World Series Championships and Australian Title victories.

The night started with 8 heat races with Sam Walsh, Luke Oldfield, Matthew Dumesny, Daniel Harding, Jamie Maiolo, Chace Karpenko and Lisa Walker. The D Main was won by Jessie Attard, the C Main 1 by Matthew Dumesny, C2 by Peter Doukas, while Carson Macedo, Jordyn Brazier, Luke Oldfield, Ian Loudoun transferred via the B1 while four Americans took the final spots in B2 (Scelzi, Eliason, McCarl and Stewart).