Kiwi McLaughlin claims V8s series lead

New Zealand’s Scott McLaughlin produced a masterclass in defensive driving to finish second in yesterday’s V8 Supercars race in Victoria and take the lead in the championship.

The 22-year-old held off a pack of cars faster than his Volvo to further enhance his chances of winning this year’s championship. It was the first time a Volvo car had led the championship since 1985.

McLaughlin has 984 points, 21 ahead of Jamie Whincup and 30 more than Craig Lowndes. For Tim Slade, it was his maiden victory in the category.

He benefited from starting the race on pole position and never looked like losing his grip on the race at Winton Raceway.

While it was a comfortable ride for Slade, in his Brad Jones Racing Holden, it was anything but for McLaughlin, who must have spent as much time looking his rear view mirrors as he did on the road ahead.

He along with Slade went in for their pit stops early and on lap 20 McLaughlin had reigning champion Mark Winterbottom and Rick Kelly breathing down his neck and putting pressure on the Kiwi at every corner.

It took immense concentration from McLaughlin to keep Winterbottom and the others at bay.

For the 30-year-old Slade, who has been in the category since 2009, it was an emotional experience to finally win a race in his 227th attempt.

‘‘Finally, finally!’’ signed a relieved Slade afterwards.