Five-times World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz showed his class with victory in Round 6 of the ENZED World Series Sprintcars at Archerfield Speedway.
The American was forced to work hard for the win as Queenslander Luke Dillon led the majority of the 30-lap race.
However, the experienced Schatz stalked his opponent before taking the lead with just seven laps remaining, which he held to the chequered flag.
Dillon came home in second which was enough to move to the top of the World Series Sprintcars championship standings.
James McFadden secured the final place on the podium, while Speedweek champion and former championship leader Steven Lines retired with engine failure.
“This is a good build up for next weekend’s Australian Open,” said Schatz.
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“I can’t thank Luch Monte (his car owner) enough for his support. I’ve been driving for Luch for the best part of 18 years I reckon. I’m really pleased we can get this one for him and I hope we can do the same next weekend when he’s over here.”
It was local Dillon, who started on the front row, that made the best start as he led Lines and Bryan Mann in the early stages.
Schatz held fourth place but by lap seven he moved into third by slipping past Mann.
Eight laps later he repeated the move on Lines for second.
Meanwhile at the front, Dillon was setting a strong pace but a mistake from Lines allowed McFadden to move into podium contention.
After setting up the overtake for several laps, Schatz eventually grabbed the lead on lap 23 by driving around the outside of Dillon.
Dillon tried to respond but Schatz proved too strong as he took the victory.
Andrew Scheuerle came home in fourth, Mann was fifth while Luke Oldfield crossed the line in sixth.
Brent April, Jason Slides, David Murcott and multiple world champion Brooke Tatnell completed the top 10.
Tatnell’s evening was boosted by a victory in the B-Main which was marred by a big shunt involving former V8 Supercars regular Paul Morris who banged his knee in the incident.
The World Series Sprintcars continues with the Australian Open at Archerfield Speedway on January 10-11.
World Series Sprintcars Top 15
1. Luke Dillon 1334
2. Steven Lines 1311
3. Brooke Tatnell 1260
4. James McFadden 1254
5. Robbie Farr 1181
6. David Murcott 1088
7. Shane Stewart 1027
8. Jamie Veal 966
9. Brad Keller 962
10. Dylan Jenkin 915
11. Daniel Pestka 911
12. Garry Brazier 859
13. Kyle Hirst 801
14. Matt Egel 756
15. Jackson Delamont 730
