Ballsy McLaughlin soars new heights
SCOTT McLaughlin borrowed the infamous words of Daniel Ricciardo to sum up the greatest win of his career.
“Holy testicle Tuesday,’’ McLaughlin said. “We did it.’’
And no one could argue with Gold Coast-based McLaughlin borrowing from the vocabulary of the Australian F1 star after the DJR Team Penske driver came from 19th to win a scorching Perth SuperSprint yesterday.
In a jaw-dropping performance that extended his championship lead to 158 points, McLaughlin recovered from a qualifying fail to record his fourth straight win.
“I am just so stoked,’’ McLaughlin said. “I just can’t believe it. These guys gave me such an incredible car.
“The strategy was on point and I got a decent start for the first time in my life. Wow. I was jumping up and down after winning that one.
“That is just so awesome for Shell V Power racing. We made it difficult for ourselves, but we did it.’’
With a drive showcasing speed, strategy and survival, McLaughlin gained 14 places in nine laps to set up the Barbagallo Raceway miracle.
“I joked to DJ (Dick Johnson) before we went out,’’ McLaughlin said. “I told him that we could win this thing.
“Deep down I thought it was a maybe, but I really didn’t think I would do it.’’
McLaughlin’s winning run looked set to come to an end when he bombed out during the first qualifying session.
He had to watch the final two qualifying sessions after failing to make the top 16.
“I put my hand up. Completely my fault,” McLaughlin said. “Just chasing too much into the bowl, locked a front and ran wide.”
Red Bull Holden Racing filled the front row with a qualifying effort that suggested McLaughlin had no hope.
But he launched off the line and cut through the field.
“He is going to be hard to beat for the championship,’’ V8 legend Mark Skaife said.
“He was not only fast but showed his ability to look after a tyre. It was one of his best drives.’’