NIGHT PROWLERS READY TO STRIKE
THESE two Supercars heavyweights are ready to light up Sydney.
The sport’s first night race in Australia in 21 years gets under way this evening at Sydney Motorsport Park with Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen locked in a two-way battle for the drivers’ crown.
And the Sydney SuperNight 300 will be pivotal.
“It is probably the most important race of the year,’’ Van Gisbergen said. “It is 300km for 300 points. It is up there for the most important races and a big wildcard. We will need to be on.’’
Out to erase the heartbreak of losing last year’s championship to Jamie Whincup in the final round, DJR/Team Penske star McLaughlin said he was ready for the new challenges night racing will throw up.
“I feel like we are very well prepared,’’ he said.
“And it is a track we generally go pretty well at. I am excited about our car pace but it is going to be different with temperatures and what we will do with pitstops and all that sort of stuff.
“What I do know is that it will be a very cool event.’’
McLaughlin had his championship lead slashed to just 131 points when Red Bull Holden Racing’s van Gisbergen pounced last round in Ipswich to turn the championship into a headto-head battle.
“Nothing changes for me heading into Sydney,’’ McLaughlin said. “I just have to press ‘on’ and take it as it comes. There are a lot more points on offer post SMP even though it is very important and a bit of a wild card.’’
The drivers will get one shot at preparing their cars for tomorrow’s night race during a 40-minute practice session tonight.