Whincup a legend — but also a target
JAMIE Whincup is regarded as the greatest driver in the history of Supercars. With more race wins, more podiums, more championships and more polepositions than any driver, he is a V8 immortal.
And then there is Scott McLaughlin — the 24-yearold who will go toe-to-toe with the record breaker for the V8 crown next week.
So is the kid with just 15 race wins to his name intimidated by the V8 King?
“Absolutely not,’’ said. “You can’t be intimidated by any- one. I respect him and he is a legend of the sport. But I have to race him. We always race hard but fair and we have had some ripper battles. I just think it is cool to be fighting with him.’’
Next week’s finale is a fight between a V8 Goliath and a fleet-footed David. McLaughlin is aiming to stop Whincup from winning an unprecedented seventh title by claiming his first.
After a stunning debut year with rising giant DJR/Team Penske, McLaughlin trails Red Bull’s Whincup by just 30 points heading into the showdown on the streets of Newcastle, beginning with practice on Friday.
“I am excited,’’ McLaughlin said. “For me I am just the chaser. I am going in just to have a crack. The best thing I can do is win a couple of races and see what happens. It is a dream come true going into the final round fighting for a championship.’’
This time last year McLaughlin was just a kid who could win the odd race. The former Dunlop Series champion put Volvo on the map by dragging a slightly better than average car to the top of the podium. Now McLaughlin is the fastest one-lap man in the sport with a flying Falcon that has roared its way to become the pole-position king.