McLaughlin-Reynolds crash feud: Inside the ugly row

A V8 Supercars driver has broken his silence on the ugly row involving a competitor’s “desperado” driving, his bikini model girlfriend and the crash that put the drivers’ relationship on ice.

Tahan Lew-Fatt “yelled” at Supercars champ Scott McLaughlin.

V8 SUPERCARS leader Scott McLaughlin hasn’t said a word to fellow driver David Reynolds since a fiery altercation involving Reynolds’ girlfriend in the aftermath of the Townsville 400 on Sunday.

McLaughlin publicly accused Reynolds of “desperado” driving tactics after an early crash between the pair popped his tyres, resulting in McLaughlin’s worst finish to a race since August 2018.

V8 Supercars, Townsville 400 2019: David Reynolds’ girlfriend ‘shouted’ at Scott McLaughlin in heated confrontation

Townsville: McLaughlin slams ‘desperado’ Dave Reynolds after record run ruined

In private, McLaughlin demanded an explanation and things turned aggressive.

“It got a bit heated with him and a few others,” McLaughlin told The Courier-Mail.

“After the race I saw Dave and asked what was the deal at the start.

“He says he went for a gap but I believe he made that gap.

“I was probably being a bit safe because it was wet and he decided to attack.

“It’s split-second stuff… but I didn’t think it was what I would do (in that situation).”

Reynolds’ girlfriend Tahan Lew-Fatt witnessed the exchange and got involved, “shouting” at McLaughlin.

David Reynolds celebrating with his girlfriend Tahan Lew-Fatt after winning Pole Position in the Top Ten Shootout at the Newcastle 500. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“She basically repeated what Dave said, she happened to be next to him,” McLaughlin said.

“I didn’t mean for it to happen, I just wanted to find out what the go was being hit from behind.

“I haven’t spoken to him (since the argument) and I’m not sure if I will.”

The feud between the popular drivers will only add spice to the lead-up to the Ipswich SuperSprint at Queensland Raceway on July 26, already one of the most exciting tracks on the circuit.

“The best thing about Ipswich is that it looks simple on paper but it’s actually very technical and fans can see the entire track from one vantage position,” McLaughlin said.

Scott McLaughlin watches the top 10 shoot out in Townsville. driver of the #17 Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang looks on during the top ten shoot out on July 07, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

“It’s a very cool event for spectators in that regard because it’s an opportunity to get up close and see us go really fast.”

The pressure for McLaughlin to re-enter the winners circle at Ipswich is mounting because his 11th-placed finish in Townsville has allowed second-placed Fabian Coulthard to close the gap.

Just 292 series points separate the Shell V-Power teammates from first (2168) and second (1876) on the championship points table.

Brisbane Jennifer Stevens was the lucky winner of a Ford Mustang GT personally designed by McLaughlin.

Around 280,000 people applied for the chance to win the one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Supercars leader Scott McLaughlin personally designed the Ford Mustang won by Brisbane local Jennifer Stevens. Picture: Supplied