Motorsport: Ambrose claims maiden NASCAR win

Australian Marcos Ambrose claimed his maiden NASCAR Sprint Cup win on Sunday with victory at Watkins Glen International in New York.

Six years after moving to North America to test himself in the world of NASCAR, Ambrose finally broke through for a well-deserved victory despite a crash-marred race.

"I have sacrificed so much, and to finally be here in victory lane in the Cup Series is a dream come true,'' Ambrose said.

'' ... No one realises how much everyone puts in to get to victory lane, and when it happens it's such a surreal moment.''

Ambrose beat Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch on a green-white-checkered finish to atone for a slip-up a year ago on the road course at Sonoma, when he stalled his car under caution while leading with six laps to go before finishing sixth.

The win was sealed with a move on the penultimate lap, passing last week's race winner Keselowski shortly after a late race restart.

Ambrose started the race in third position, but was quickly into second as he moved past Busch on the first turn.

The race ended with a caution after a monster crash between David Reutimann and David Ragan as they entered the second turn, handing Ambrose the win as the former V8 driver cruised over the finish line under yellow flag conditions.

Ambrose's win made him the fifth first-time winner in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition in 2011, and the 15th different race winner.

The victory not only qualified Ambrose for the million dollar bonus in the Sprint Summer Showdown, but also as a starter in the 2012 Sprint All-Star Race.

- AAP