In a joint announcement today Monte Motorsports and Milwaukee Tools advised that they had signed James McFadden for the 2016/17 season .James will take over the seat held by the likable and talented Californian Kyle Hirst.
This is a big announcement by Monte Motorsports particularly as their last two drivers have both been Americans and both brought some big trophies to the team .The teams decision to put an Australian in the seat will be welcomed by local race fan .Kyle Hirst during his time in the W17 was adopted by most fans forgetting he was an American and he brought much credit to the team during his stay and most importantly he gave the team the 2015 Warnambool Classic trophy, the most sought after of all the big Australian Sprintcar events .I am sure this news comes as a disappointment to Hirst who has been have a super season in California. Most recently he won the weekend of the Peter Murphy Classic in NZ1.
Great news for McFadden who is currently dividing his racing between the Joe Garete Engines #3G and the Highlands Tire and Service #3. There has been no announcement as to will replace James in NQ25 or if Kyle Hirst will drive in Australia during 2016/17, let’s hope he lands a ride as I for one will miss his talent.
James’s response to the appointment was released on his Facebook page, “This was one of the hardest and most exciting decisions of my racing career yet. Scott and Stephanie Milling gave me a huge opportunity at a young age, as a kid who had proved nothing, and for that I will always be thankful. To walk away from a team that has become your family is a tough decision to make, and one I did not take lightly. It is a credit to those involved at the NQ25 that I was met with complete understanding about my eventual choice to move in a different direction.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to steer this W17 Milwaukee Monte Motorsport car and belong to one of the most successful and professional teams in the world of Speedway.
I am very excited for what I hope to be a solid season 2016/2017 aboard the W17. Keep your eyes peeled for race schedules and the likes. Results and interaction will continue on this page, as well as the Monte Motorsport Sprintcar Team Page.”
Kyle Hirst’s response to the new was via twitter “Want to thank @Montemotorsport @MilwaukeeToolAu for letting me be part of such a great team! Lifetime memories made & best wishes this year!”