GRANVILLE, Australia – Brad Sweet hasn’t slowed down since winning the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series title, picking up a victory on the opening night of Ultimate Sydney Speedweek at Valvoline Raceway on Thursday.

Sweet could not be stopped during the 35-lap Valvoline Australian Sprint Car Grand Prix, engaging in a torrid slider duel with Sam Walsh early before pulling away from Jamie Veal late in the race.

The Grass Valley, Calif., native ultimately crossed under the checkered flag 1.608 seconds clear of Veal, with Marcus Dumesny completing the podium.

American Carson Macedo was two seconds adrift of that trio, finishing fourth.

“American fans might not know names like Sam Walsh and Marcus Dumesny yet, but they will soon,” Sweet noted. “I have so much respect for the guys who race here week in and week out. I’m really looking forward to racing here for the next few nights of Speedweek.”

Ben Atkinson completed the top five finishers, followed by Walsh, whose car speed faded in the second half and left him with a sixth-place finish.

Jordyn Brazier, Michael Stewart, Robbie Farr and Ian Madsen completed the top 10.

Two-time All Stars Circuit of Champions titlist Aaron Reutzel was poised to play a starring role in the feature as well, but flipped on the opening lap of the main and finished last in the 24-car field.

The finish:

1. Brad Sweet; 2. Jamie Veal; 3. Marcus Dumesny; 4. Carson Macedo; 5. Ben Atkinson; 6. Sam Walsh; 7. Jordyn Brazier; 8. Michael Stewart; 9. Robbie Farr; 10. Ian Madsen; 11. Lynton Jeffrey; 12. Grant Tunks; 13. Jeremy Cross; 14. Daniel Cassidy; 15. Jessie Attard; 16. Warren Ferguson; 17. Michael Saller; 18. Daniel Sayre; 19. Ryan Jones; 20. Andrew Wright; 21. Troy Little; 22. Danny Reidy; 23. Alex Orr; 24. Aaron Reutzel.