Win emotional for family
From the age of seven, Scott McLaughlin’s dad, Wayne, knew his son had a Supercars championship in him. Scott’s parents, who live in Tauranga, flew to Newcastle to see their son win the title last weekend and it was the culmination of an 18-year journey the family have been on.
Not surprisingly, Wayne was emotional at seeing his son lifting the championship trophy on Sunday after finishing second to David Reynolds, and he remembered back to the first time he got behind a wheel and the natural talent he showed at such an early age.
‘‘He got a car for his seventh birthday and he won his first race about three months later,’’ Wayne said.
‘‘He had a trophy and slept with it for about three nights.
‘‘I know how much this means to him now and full credit to his fiancee Karly, she’s kept him calm.
‘‘For Dianne [Scott’s mum] and I and Samantha [sister], as a family this means so much.
‘‘There are a lot of people who helped us along the way, we’ve had a lot of support and full credit to DJR Team Penske [McLaughlin’s team].
‘‘I reckon it’s going to take a week for it to sink in.’’
Wayne spoke to Scott soon after the race and they talked about the journey they’d all been on.
‘‘The first thing he said to me was ‘we did it, thanks for believing in me’,’’ Wayne said.
‘‘We did believe in him and as a family we’ve sacrificed a lot, but you can’t put a price on this. I’m very proud.’’
Before Scott’s grandmother passed away three years ago he made a promise to her that he’d one day win the Supercars championship and thank her in the press conference afterwards.
He did that on Sunday night and yesterday spoke about how he wouldn’t have achieved what he had if not for the support from his family.
‘‘They’ve put their balls on the line for me,’’ Scott said. ‘‘Business was tough and they had to put a bit of cash in there and risk a lot of things, their livelihood almost, to get me into the position I needed to be in to go through the ranks. If it didn’t work out, he [Wayne] was in the crap, so I owe Scott McLaughlin says he’s unlikely to race with No 1 on his car next season, despite being the Supercars champion.
Talking in Newcastle yesterday, after a night when he got only a couple of hours sleep, McLaughlin was in a chipper mood.
His accomplishment of beating out fellow Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen for the title had sunk in and he’s had initial thoughts about next year.
One of those is not to race with the No 1 on his car, which is the tradition in motor racing.
‘‘I’m still yet to discuss that, but I’m keen to keep 17,’’ McLaughlin told Stuff.
‘‘Everyone knows I’m the champion and 17 is synonymous with this category. My gut feeling at the moment is to keep 17.’’
While it’s unusual, it’s not without precedent, with van Gisbergen retaining the No 97 after winning the championship in 2016.
a lot to my mum and dad, it’s a pretty proud moment for us.
‘‘That was just the start and the trust they put into me and the confidence they gave me has been amazing, they’re just the best parents ever.’’