It’s Scott’s title to lose
SCOTT McLaughlin has capitalised on Jamie Whincup’s heartbreak, with the Ford star poised to claim his first Supercars title after a dramatic race in Newcastle.
Whincup’s quest for an unprecedented seventh championship is hanging by a thread after steering damage which has led to a 23rd-place finish.
Starting from fifth on the grid yesterday and 30 championship points ahead of polesitter McLaughlin, Whincup’s Commodore made contact with Michael Caruso’s Nissan Altima on the opening lap.
Shortly after that incident, Whincup narrowly avoided a three-car pile up involving Dale Wood, Taz Douglas and Jason Bright which forced the safety car onto the track.
But the halt in proceedings wasn’t long enough to save Whincup. The Triple Eight Racing star later rejoined the fray more than 13 laps off the pace.
For McLaughlin, it is the 15th time this season he has stood on the podium.
The 24-year-old passed Bathurst 1000 winner David Reynolds on the 72nd lap to set up his eighth victory of the year.
It puts him 78 points in front of Whincup in the overall standings ahead of the season finale today.
On a sterling day for DJR Team Penske, Fabian Coulthard finished second behind stablemate McLaughlin to all but clinch the teams’ championship with owner Roger Penske in the garage.
‘‘There’s a long way to go, but yes! That was awesome – I’m so GETTY IMAGES pumped,’’ McLaughlin said.
‘‘To get one-two for Shell V-Power Racing is as good as it gets.’’
Reynolds was forced into a wall when Whincup’s team-mate Shane van Gisbergen passed him with 13 laps remaining, with stewards handing the 2016 champion a 15-second penalty over the incident.
Holden’s Tim Slade finished third to grab his second podium for the season. - AAP
‘ That was awesome – I’m so pumped.’ SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN