NO HOLDING BACK IN RACE FOR SUPERCARS TITLE
SCOTT McLaughlin says he is prepared to “get some elbows out” to protect his championship lead as the Supercars title goes on the line at Newcastle this weekend.
Just 14 points separates McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen ahead of the season-ending Newcastle 500, where 12 months ago the Ford star suffered a dramatic collapse to gift the series to Jamie Whincup.
And it won’t just be van Gisbergen he has to watch out for in Newcastle. In the previous round in Auckland, McLaughlin saw off Whincup to charge to win, only for the Red Bull driver to then slow down and allow teammate van Gisbergen to overtake him into second place.
Last year McLaughlin was flooring his way to his first ever title last year when he squandered a 78-point series lead and pole position after three penalties during Sunday’s 250km race.
“It obviously didn’t go to plan 12 month ago,’’ McLaughlin said.
“But I feel like I am a different driver now.
“I am a lot more calm now and I am ready to take this opportunity.’’
Knowing he may have to face the threat of van Gisbergen, Whincup and Holden’s Craig Lowndes, McLaughlin said “If I have to get some elbows out then I will. If not I am also happy to race Shane hard and fair as we always do.”
The DJR Team Penske pilot has promised not to repeat his past mistakes, admitting the pressure got to him.
“I was a little bit under the pump last year,’’ McLaughlin said.
“And I was a bit shy of the situation. I didn’t really know what to expect. But I am heading in with a bit more experience.
“It is big for me but I know my car is fast because we have had a win and two poles there. It didn’t go to plan but we were still fast.”
And McLaughlin is backing that quickness, his stronger mentality and love for the Newcastle circuit will help him secure a maiden championship.