Current Australian Sprintcar Champion, James McFadden has signed on with the Joe Gaerte Racing team for his 2014 US campaign, getting underway in May.
McFadden isn't the only Australian connection to the team, with the Australian designed and built COOL Chassis being the frame of choice. The combination will be tough, with a Gaerte Engine powering the young Aussie.
The combination McFadden will take to has shown proven speed over recent seasons, this year the XYZ Machining, Allstar Performance #3G was right up the front of most races when piloted by perennial Australian visitor, Shane Stewart.
Stewart – who will race in Australia again this summer under the Monte Motorsport/Milwaukee Powertools banner – has vacated Gaerte's ride after obtaining a full-time STP World of Outlaws seat in a team co-owned by young NASCAR star, Kyle Larson.
This has opened the door for McFadden to expand on his recent visits to the US – where, this year, he recorded three top 10 World of Outlaws finishes, despite his lack of experience on the circuits.
“We're excited to have James join our team. He has run some races in the United States the past couple of years and has shown he can run up front with the best in the business,” said Gaerte.
The association between Gaerte, COOL and McFadden will begin in May and extend right through to the end of August's Knoxville Nationals. With the full campaign to be announced, it is expected that McFadden will race the King's Royal at Tony Stewart's Eldora Speedway and the Brad Doty Classic, along with a number of STP World of Outlaws Sprintcar Series events.
McFadden's Australian campaign has started well, taking a win at Bordertown last weekend against a high quality field. His ENZED World Series Sprintcars defence for the Scott Milling owned Totally Workwear team will begin on Boxing Day Night at Adelaide's Speedway City.
A full preview of the WSS campaign, featuring McFadden, Network Ten personality, Greg Rust, Speedcafe's ARMOR ALL Summer Grill host, Briony Ingerson and motorsport identities Chad Neylon and Wade Aunger will appear on ONE HD this Saturday at 1:30pm nationally.