Will Power has won the IndyCar championship after finishing eighth in Sunday’s season finale in Fontana, California.

The 33-year-old, who needed to finish sixth or better to take out the title, becomes the first Australian to secure an IndyCar series.

He’s also the first Australian to secure a major overseas motorsport title since Alan Jones won the 1980 Formula One world championship.

The championship win also puts to rest the ghosts of the 2010, 11 and 12 finales when Power went in holding a series lead only to finish as runner-up.

Starting the race in 20th position on the grid, Power did a great job of quietly and methodically working his way through the field.

In stark contrast to the three previous times Power has led the championship going into the final race, the Queenslander kept his cool as he climbed closer and closer to main rival Helio Castroneves.

Power hit the front following a race restart with 50 laps remaining in the 250-lap race, passing Castroneves in the process.

The Brazilian was then hit with a drive-through penalty for an incorrect pitlane entry with 30 laps remaining, all but ensuring Power would claim the title if he could finish the race.

With mother Marge and wife Liz watching on from his pitwall, Power slipped down the field as he tried to control a loose car in the closing laps but avoided another last-day disaster to finally secure the title.

Power sobbed as he crossed the finishing line in the race won by Brazil’s Tony Kanaan, with the Australian screaming thank you to his team over the radio.