The Launceston-born car  racer again completed consistent season in the top-level US motorsport competition.

He qualifying second at Miami but found himself on pole after fastest qualifier Joey Logano was forced to start in pit lane in his backup car.

Ambrose was an early leader but had mid-race handling issues and  had to coast over the finish line with a dry fuel tank.

``We were off with the car handling in the middle part of the race, but we finished 13th and we'll take it,'' Ambrose said.

``We've got a foundation to work off for next year.''

Ambrose  took over the number 9 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports at the beginning of 2011 and has won two races and in 154 NASCAR starts has had 15 top 5 finishes and 33 top 10 finishes.

``We had success this year and recently have made plans to get better for 2013 and beyond,'' the 36-year-old said.

``It was great to win at Watkins Glen, earn my first two poles and also have the opportunity to make the `Chase' this year.''

The Chase is a 10-race series for the top 12 drivers who compete for the Sprint Cup.

``I think the Petty organisation, and this No. 9 team  .?th.?th. is going to be even stronger next season. I can't think of a better place to be and am ready to win.''

Ambrose  finished the 36-race Sprint Cup series  18th overall, a similar result to 2011, but was the fastest qualifier for two races  in a season that saw  three major changes to his support crew.

His winnings of nearly  $4.7 million was also a similar result to  2011.

Ambrose became RPM's lead driver this year and in 2013 will again team with Aric Almirola who was also re-signed.

Almirola completed his first season in the Sprint Cup in 20th place.

 Ambrose was the Australian V8 Supercar champion in 2003 and 2004 and now lives in Kannapolis in North Carolina with his Sonja and daughters Tabitha and Adelaide.