Bathurst 1000: Scott McLaughlin kicks well clear at top of Supercars standings as Gold Coast looms large
Scott McLaughlin’s maiden victory at Mount Panorama has given the Ford ace even more breathing room over his rivals as the endurance season now looks ahead to its next stop on the Gold Coast.
V8
Don't miss out on the headlines from V8. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Defending champion Scott McLaughlin has extended his lead in the Supercars championship to more than two full rounds after his triumph in the Bathurst 1000.
The DJR Team Penske star had taken a massive 598-point lead - almost two full rounds - into the Great Race after claiming a record-breaking 17th win for the year at the last round at Pukekohe Raceway in Auckland.
But McLaughlin’s maiden victory at Mount Panorama has given the Ford ace even more breathing room over his rivals as the endurance season now looks ahead to its next stop on the Gold Coast.
Live stream the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship on KAYO SPORTS. Every practice, qualifying & race Live & On-Demand in HD. Get your 14 day free trial >
Holden rival Shane van Gisbergen, who finished second to the 2018 Supercars champion in a thrilling finish to the Great Race, now trails the Ford ace by 622 points in the championship standings.
It’s unlikely anyone will be able to catch the runaway series leader with three rounds left to go in the 2019 Supercars championship at the Gold Coast, Sandown and the season finale in Newcastle.
With a Supercars title and Bathurst crown now in the bag, McLaughlin said he still had plenty left to target in Supercars.
“I’ve got more to achieve here and I just want to keep winning and do the best job for my team,” McLaughlin said.
“I’ll enjoy this one, but a couple of weeks away we are back to business, but I’ll have a few beers that’s for sure.
“I’m really proud to do it for the whole franchise and the whole team. We have come a long way.
“I joined in 2017 when things were on the up and I’m proud to contribute what I have.”
McLaughlin’s Bathurst win was his 18th victory for the year after overtaking Holden hero Craig Lowndes’ 1996 record of 16 wins in a single season last month in arguably the most dominant Supercars season of all time.
The 26-year-old’s DJR Team Penske teammate Fabian Coulthard finished sixth alongside co-driver Tony D’Alberto and sits third in the championship, trailing McLaughlin by 787 points.
Targeting his best result in the Supercars championship, Ford’s Chaz Mostert has slipped from third to fourth in the championship standings after a big tangle with fellow Tickford racing driver Cameron Waters ended his teammate’s race and cruelled his own.
The 2014 Bathurst champion finished 16th in his pairing with James Moffat and is 867 points behind the series leader.
Originally published as Bathurst 1000: Scott McLaughlin kicks well clear at top of Supercars standings as Gold Coast looms large