Australian Sprintcar Champion, James McFadden came out on top after chasing down and passing American superstar, Donny Schatz, on night one of Warrnambool’s Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic.
Against all odds, McFadden hunted Schatz in the Crimsafe/Armor All J&J and then passed the Knoxville Champion with seven laps to go to take a win that left a bumper crowd shell shocked.
The only person more surprised than McFadden was Schatz – who looked to have the 30 lap final in complete control.
“A bit of alcohol tonight might help soothe the pain,” Schatz lamented after a rare loss.”I did the best l could and tonight that was second.
“James did a great job, he did a very clean pass, we just got beat…we won’t dwell on it.”
After a lean season results wise, it was a huge result for McFadden who hunted Schatz on a viciously slick track to take the victory.
“We were lucky, traffic helped us catch Donny, and he was struggling badly on rubber,” McFadden said after the race.
“We’ve been waiting a long time to get one like this, it’s been a long year, so this means a lot.”
But McFadden was mindful that Schatz won’t make a similar error for Sunday’s $30,000 to win Classic.
“I guarantee that 15 car will be better in two nights’ time.”
In the feature, Schatz started from fourth position, alongside McFadden – but within five laps he had taken the lead from pole sitter Luke Dillon, and looked untouchable.
The field was halted after Robbie Farr rode out a nasty roll in turn two, and afterwards it looked like Schatz wouldn’t be headed – until McFadden made his move.
Kerry Madsen drove through the field from 8th to finish 3rd, but he was immediately penalised four placings for passing on the infield. He was fuming following the decision and was set to appeal.
The penalty allowed Trevor Green – the 1997 Classic winner – to climb onto the podium with a third placed finish.
Premier Speedway’s experiment to make the Classic a 3 night show proved a huge success.
A crowd of approximately 6,000 were on hand for the opening night of qualifying – with 54 cars taking part in time trials, two rounds of heats and a C, B and A main.
American Tim Kaeding pipped McFadden and Schatz for fast time, with 54 cars taking part in time trials.
The ten heats were won by Kaeding, McFadden, Schatz, Luke Dillon, Robbie Farr, Bryan Mann, Bud Kaeding, Trey Starks, Danny Smith and Tim Rankin.
The biggest hit of the night came in the C-Main, with Classic debutante Matthew Dumesny riding out a wicked roll down the front straight that ended his weekend.
“My head is a bit sore, but l’m OK,” the younger son of Warrnambool legend, Max Dumesny said.
McFadden leads the points after night one, ahead of Dillon, T.Kaeding, Schatz, Green, Hirst, Madsen, Dobson, Sides and Farr.
Night two will be contested by the other half of the field, headlined by reigning World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman, dual Outlaws winner Jason Meyers, defending Classic winner Steven Lines, plus previous winners Brooke Tatnell, Max Dumesny and Shane Stewart.
Sunday will see each car have one further heat race before the countdown to the 40 lap Classic, with capacity crowds expected across the weekend.
