Game of Thrones in North

JAMIE Whincup will be going all out to keep his North Queensland crown as Scott McLaughlin threatens to dethrone the king of Townsville.

Called the “King of the North’’ after storming to his 10th win in Townsville last year, the Red Bull Holden Racing Team driver admitted he would face his biggest test in the tropics with McLaughlin on a record-challenging run.

The DJR/Team Penske star will be looking to make it six wins in a row when he straps down for the Townsville 400 on Friday.

Whincup is determined to stop McLaughlin’s charge on the track he has made his own.

“I like Townsville,’’ Whincup said. “I like the place and I like the people. There is also a fantastic racetrack there.

“Although we have had some great results in the past, it does not guarantee anything this weekend.

“We are still going to push hard and grind it out and with the competition as it is at the moment, it is going to be a challenge but one we are looking forward to.’’

Siting fifth in the championship, Whincup will be out to save his fast-fading title bid on a track where he has had more success than anyone.

Whincup has won 10 of the 21 races at Reid Park to become the undisputed champion of the 2.85km street track.

“We will definitely take some confidence going in, knowing we can do the job if we bring our A-game,’’ Whincup said. “I am looking forward to the challenge even though the competition is as strong as it has ever been.’’

Whincup said stopping McLaughlin from winning his 15th race of the year would be hard.

“I am not going to throw out any big statements and say we are going to win this weekend,’’ Whincup said.