McLaughlin sets pace in practice
MOTORSPORT: Supercars series leader Scott McLaughlin has thrown down the gauntlet to rival Shane van Gisbergen by clocking the fastest practice time ahead of this weekend’s Newcastle 500.
McLaughlin topped the second practice session’s time sheets with a blistering lap of 1min 10.47sec ahead of seventime series champion Jamie Whincup and Ford’s Cameron Waters on the tough street circuit.
Holden’s van Gisbergen was seventh-fastest.
Ford hero McLaughlin will hope to have landed a psychological blow on fellow Kiwi van Gisbergen before they tangle for the title in the Supercars’ season finale this weekend.
“Overall we have had a really good day. We have learned a lot,” McLaughlin said.
“It’s going to be all about qualifying here. Track position is key.”
Vying for his maiden Supercars title, McLaughlin has a 14point series lead over van Gisbergen ahead of the final round, ensuring the closest finish to the championship in a decade.
McLaughlin earned a confidence boost with his final effort after being only 15th fastest in yesterday’s opening practice session.
In the final round of his 22year career as a full-time driver, retiring Holden great Craig Lowndes was 12th fastest in second practice.
And Ford’s Mark Winterbottom, who has sensationally announced he will switch to Holden next year, was 15th in yesterday’s final session.
The Supercars title will be decided by 95-lap races today and tomorrow.
Qualifying starts at 11.35am (AEDT) today.