Darren Kane outlasts WA star Dustin Higgs in Albany to create history with fifth National Super Sedan Title

A masterful performance has helped Queenslander Darren Kane create history at Albany’s Attwell Park Speedway by winning a fifth National Super Sedan Title on Sunday night. Kane is the first driver in the history of the division to win five Aussie crowns after he fought off a strong challenge from WA star Dustin Higgs in the 40-lap championship decider in front of a strong crowd. Kane led early in the final before being passed by a determined Dustin Higgs, but the 55-year-old veteran used all of his experience to retake the lead with 10 laps to run and hold out one more crack by Dustin Higgs to capture his second national title in Albany. “To win number five is pretty incredible and to be the first there,” Kane said. “I love the track; it just suits me, the wide open track. “Young Dustin Higgs, that was probably one of the toughest races I’ve been in. “I didn’t have any more left. I drove the crap out of the car and the cars been incredible all weekend. “To start on pole and win the race but you can’t really ask for much more. “When I crossed the line it all sunk in, to be that first person in this class. “I only dreamed about making a main in a national title when I was a kid so to now to win five titles is very surreal.” In an enthralling main event, Kane started on the front row alongside South Australian Dave Gartner, while Dustin Higgs and Matt Pascoe filled row two. Kane shot to the early lead before a major crash involving Kyle Larson, Tristan Green and Matthew McMahon halted the race. In an even bigger blow, NSW champion and four-time Australian titleholder Matt Pascoe retired to the infield with engine dramas. At the restart Dustin Higgs quickly moved into second place and then went about challenging Kane for the lead. Gary Higgs then brought on the yellow lights after a spin in turn four that Bryce Fisher got caught up in. Gary Higgs was sent to the rear of the field as a result but all eyes were up front at the outstanding battle between Kane and Dustin Higgs. Dustin Higgs blasted to the lead on lap 13 as he and Kane rocketed away from their rivals and hit lapped traffic. Despite leading for nearly 20 laps of the feature race, Dustin Higgs was held up behind slower cars and Kane calmly pounced to snatch back the lead with 10 to run. Dustin Higgs failed to surrender though and with four laps to go made a last-ditch effort to pass Kane but made heavy contact with the turn two wall. His car stopped briefly on the back straight and he lost nearly five seconds to Kane, who had car troubles of his own. Kane had a big moment on the second last lap, spinning after contact with a slower car, but he recovered to go on and win by 5.356secs over a gallant Dustin Higgs. Remarkably, as Dustin Higgs crossed the line in second place his right rear tyre exploded. Gartner claimed third after holding off Brad Pascoe and only the top four cars finished on the lead lap. Gary Higgs fought his way back to grab fifth place off Mt Barker youngster Fisher, who impressed in his maiden national title, while outgoing national champion Trent Wilson was 10th officially. Earlier, Keith Higgs, Kemble Aylett, Kyle Larson, Matthew McMahon, Ryan Huxtable and Queensland’s Michael Hally all transferred from the B-main into the final. Kane was the only driver to go through Saturday night’s heat races undefeated and his three wins had him on top of the points ahead of Dustin Higgs and Gartner. Gartner led all of the way in heat 10 on Sunday night before Garry Higgs held off Kane and Dustin Higgs in the race of the weekend in heat 11. The final qualifying heat went to Brad Pascoe, who edged out Phil Barton.