After 105 starts, Marcos Ambrose has finally cracked it for a win in the top-level NASCAR Sprint Cup series, taking the flag at the rain-delayed Watkins Glen road course event.
He actually finished under yellow flags after a monster accident on the front straight took out four cars in spectacular fashion.
Starting from third, Ambrose used a strategy of speed over conservation as he made an extra stop compared to a number of others around him, including Keselowski and Kyle Busch .
His chances nearly ended on lap #65 of 90 when Denny Hamlin lost his front brakes and just avoided hitting the Tasmanian before slamming into the fence.
Ambrose led the race at different points, each time giving up the front position to come to the pits.
Crew Chief Todd Parrott kept his Richard Petty Motorsports driver in-check throughout the entire race, as they stuck to their game plan and it paid off.
“I have sacrificed so much and to finally be here in victory lane in the Cup Series is a dream come true,” said Ambrose.
“Mrs Petty is not doing so well at the moment and this win is for her and the whole Petty family. To Richard and everyone else who gave me the chance – thanks very much.
“No one realises how much everyone puts in to get to victory lane and when it happens it’s such a surreal moment.”
The victory gives Ambrose a chance at making the Sprint Cup Chase thanks to the wildcard entry for the two drivers with the most wins from 10th to 20th. To give the win some perspective, former F1 ace Juan Montoya and two-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti are just some of the big series names who’ve not won a NASCAR event.
With thanks to speedcafe.com