Aussies In America: Ambrose Wins Nationwide Race; Briscoe Second in IndyCar

AUSTRALIAN MARCOS AMBROSE has claimed the second NASCAR victory of his career after winning the Nationwide Series event at Watkins Glen.

In only his first start in the secondary NASCAR competition this season, Ambrose launched a daring move past Kyle Busch with 18 laps remaining to take control of the race and secure his second consecutive win at the New York circuit.

Ambrose’s pass on Busch earned the former V8 Supercar champion the ire of his rival, who was unimpressed by the aggressive nature of the move.

“I felt like I got cheap-shotted there. I think we would have wrecked if one of the cars didn't give,” Busch said. "I don't think it was a fair move. It won the race and he had to do something. I wouldn't have been able to do it."

Ambrose though believed he made a fair pass as he didn’t make any contact with Busch as he scythed his way through the chicane.

"I had to surprise him. We didn't have the top-end speed to make a classic pass. I knew I had to bomb him some way,” he said.

"He wasn't going to make a mistake. I was going to have to force one on him. I just stormed up in there. I knew it was a high-risk move but it needed to be made."

The 32-year-old also qualified fourth for the Sprint Cup event, which has been postponed by 24 hours after a downpour.

Meanwhile, Penske star Ryan Briscoe has lost his lead in the IndyCar title race after finishing second at the Honda 200 in Ohio.

Kiwi Scott Dixon claimed the chequered flag after he leaped past pole sitter Briscoe on lap six before charging away for a series record 20th win.

Scottish driver Dario Franchetti rounded off the podium with a charge to third place, terrorising Briscoe in the latter stages of the race.