Kiwi pair set to steal the show
AUCKLAND: There will be 26 runners at Pukekohe Park this weekend in the secondtolast Supercars meet of the season, but all eyes will be on two drivers — both Kiwis.
Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen are the title contenders and both are preparing for a furious fight.
‘‘It’s going to
McLaughlin says.
The DJR Team Penske man is on top after turning the tables on his Red Bull Holden Racing Team rival in the sole race at the Gold Coast a fortnight ago.
His fifthplaced finish, behind winners Chaz Mostert and James Moffat, puts the 25yearold on top of the standings by 14 points.
Van Gisbergen, who appeared to be running away with the title before the Enduro series with seven consecutive toptwo finishes, underwhelmed at Bathurst and finished 10th at Surfers Paradise.
With a maximum
be
on,’’
of 600 points left to win this season, the pair are the only realistic title shots.
Thirdplaced Jamie Whincup, 433 points back, has conceded his hopes of winning an eighth championship and retaining last year’s crown are over. Craig Lowndes, in fourth, is the only other mathematical contender.
And so the focus is firmly on McLaughlin and Van Gisbergen with just four races left.
McLaughlin might be especially feeling the heat given he led into the season’s final race last year, only to see Whincup claim the crown on a dramatic day in Newcastle.
He said he knew what was coming.
‘‘We know how Shane drives. We know he’s a very hard racer and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s going to be,’’ McLaughlin told the Supercars website.
‘‘We’re going to be pushing each other hard, both sides.
‘‘I’m looking forward to the battle — what will be will be.
‘‘I feel like I’m a lot more mature and ready to go for these last two rounds than I ever have been.’’
McLaughlin said he would be relying on his team and garagemate, Fabian Coulthard, for every advantage for the crunch meet in New Zealand.
‘‘Last year we came out [of the Enduro Cup] behind, so we’re a little bit of a step ahead already,’’ he said.
‘‘We’ve both got good cars around these next two tracks. They’re obviously really strong. It’s going to be on.’’ — AAP