Scott McLaughlin wins Bathurst 1000: result, highlights, video
Scott McLaughlin has pulled off a remarkable Bathurst victory - showcasing nerves of steel as he ran low on petrol and held off a thrilling challenge from Shane van Gisbergen in a controversial race that featured teammates taking each other out and a stunning eight safety cars.
Scott McLaughlin is now a Bathurst king.
Already a series champion and a V8 record breaker, McLaughlin realised his lifelong dream of becoming a Bathurst 1000 champion when he held off Shane van Gisbergen to claim his Mount Panorama crown.
Following a 1000km war that was decided by a thrilling final lap fight, the DJR/Team Penske driver cried tears of joy as he floored his way over the finish line to prove himself to be a V8 mam of steel.
It was the day that the V8 kid become a Bathurst king.
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“I am a bloody Bathurst winner,’’ McLaughlin said.
“I can’t believe I have won the Bathurst 1000.’’
In one of the great V8 finishes, McLaughlin survived a brutal last lap attack from van Gisbergen after a crash on lap 158 put him in a one-on-one war with his ultimate rival.
The Ford fighter also overcame a fuel shortage, won a toe-to-toe fight with Jamie Whincup and defied his fast fading rubber to break a 25-year drought for Dick Johnson and deliver his billionaire team owner V8s greatest prize.
McLaughlin also deliver himself his dream prize with the destiny delivering drive.
“I put so much pressure on myself,’’ McLaughlin said.
“I was desperate to make this a good one. I have dreamt about this my whole life. I have Dreamt about standing on the roof of my car here after winning Bathurst. It was an unbelievable day.’’
Finally launching to life following a delay start caused by a carbon monoxide scare, the race came down to a final lap fling when the safety car but McLaughlin in the Ford v Holden fight.
McLaughlin held his nerve to hold off Red Bull Holden Racing team driver van Gisbergen, who went all out to claim McLaughlin’s crown.
“I had the toughest competitor in the sport behind me,’’ McLaughlin said.
“He was coming and I just gave it all I got and tried to get a bit of a gap coming down conrod. Thankfully we held on.’’
Pitlane erupted in a sea of celebration when McLaughlin emerged from the all-conquering Mustang that blitzed the Bathurst lap record in qualifying.
McLaughlin, 26, seal the win by kissing fiance Karly Paone.
“This is for my family, my team and the fans,’’ McLaughlin said.
“And for Ford.’’
Bathurst legend Johnson embraced McLaughlin after the kiwi wunderkid delivered him his first Bathurst win since 1994.
“It has been as bloody long 25 years,’’ Johnson said.
“How bloody good is this.’’
US tycoon and DJR/Team Penske co-owner Roger Penske declared McLaughlin a true champion after flying in on a private jet for the triumph.
“This is just amazing and I can’t believe how it all ended up,’’ Penske said.
“What a drive by Scotty and just an amazing effort by the entire team. That is for everyone here and that is one off our bucket list now. It is unbelievable what is going on here and I am just really appreciative of it all.
“And Scotty, what a great champion.’’
McLaughlin also paid credit to his co-driver Alex Premat, who helped steer him into the Bathurst record book.
“He did a great job,’’ McLaughlin said.
“He was perfect all day and the team just did a great job giving us such a weapon of a car."
Originally published as Scott McLaughlin wins Bathurst 1000: result, highlights, video