SCOTT HAS EYE ON 2019
Supercars leader says bring on ‘19
SCOTT McLaughlin is leading this year’s Supercars title race but already the DJR Team Penske star can’t wait for 2019.
The young New Zealander said he was “massively excited” for the Ford Mustang’s Supercars debut next year after its first test day at Queensland Raceway yesterday.
McLaughlin took the wheel of the famous muscle car for its first laps around the Ipswich circuit, sharing the driving with teammate Fabian Coulthard.
The Kiwi ace loved the look of the car, which was dressed in a camouflage livery for its testing debut, and likened the car’s feel on the track to the team’s 2018 package.
“First of all, the car looks awesome. It’s going to be so good to see it in Shell V-Power colours next year,’’ McLaughlin said.
“It’s a great start. It did everything we could expect of a brand new race car and the balance feels pretty close to our current package.
“Having now driven it, I’m massively excited for the 2019 season to begin.”
The Mustang will replace the famous Falcon as Ford’s Supercars entry next year.
The Falcon will make its last appearance on the Super- cars grid in the Newcastle season finale later this month.
The Mustang will be the first coupe to enter Supercars under current regulations and the first two-door car involved in Australian Touring Car racing for more than two decades.
DJR Team Penske team principal Ryan Story said the car earned a big tick for its first test.
“To see Mustang on track for the first time is a great milestone, as we’ve been working on this project in earnest since November last year,’’ Story said.
“It’s an encouraging start. The car looks fantastic and both drivers reported that the car has plenty of promise. We couldn’t be more pleased with how things progressed today.”
The Mustang will be raced by DJR Team Penske, Tickford Racing and 23 Red Racing in next year’s Supercars championship.
McLaughlin holds a 14point lead over Holden rival Shane van Gisbergen in this year’s title race as he strives to end the Falcon era on a high in the final round in Newcastle from November 23-25.