Pile-up robs Marcos Ambrose in NASCAR race

A MULTI-CAR collision on the final lap cost Marcos Ambrose a chance of victory at the Talladega 500 NASCAR race in Alabama.

A MULTI-CAR collision on the final lap cost Marcos Ambrose a chance of victory at the Talladega 500 NASCAR race in Alabama.

After leading midway through the 188-lap event, Ambrose was well placed to grab a podium finish as drivers jostled for position during the frantic finish.

However, the 36-year-old Australian became entangled with a number of cars after Tony Stewart's Chevrolet rolled.

NASCAR officials eventually awarded Ambrose 27th position after only three of the 43 cars were able to cross the line.

AAP