Supercars: Scott McLaughlin signs new deal with DJR/Team Penske
Runaway Supercars leader Scott McLaughlin, who has made no secret of his desire to race in NASCAR in the US, has made a decision on his driving future.
Scott McLaughlin will continue his all-conquering career in Australia with DJR/Team Penske after turning his back on a move to the US.
The Ford team announced on Thursday that both McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard have signed new deals, ending speculation that Supercars’ No.1 outfit were trying to poach Chaz Mostert from Tickford Racing.
“Confirming that both Scott and Fabian will remain with us in Supercars is great news, and something that we’re very proud of,’’ said DJR/Team Penske co-owner Ryan Story.
“They have proven to be great teammates and have represented our team like true professionals on and off the track.
“Both of these guys are at the peak of their powers, as is demonstrated by our results across the last few seasons.
“We look forward to the remainder of this season and next year with them behind the wheel of our Ford Mustang GTs.”
McLaughlin leads the championship by 319 points having won 12 of the 16 races so far this year. The 26-year-old Kiwi is aiming to equal Jamie Whincup’s record of seven straight wins this weekend at the Townsville 400.
Having won the championship last year, McLaughlin was reported to be close to signing a deal with Penske Racing in America to race Nascar or IndyCar.
The new deal will see him remain in Australia for at least another season and.
“We’ve been able to achieve so much together,’’ McLaughlin said. “And I couldn’t be happier to continue as a Shell V-Power Racing Team driver into the future.
“This is the best team in Supercars. I don’t take the opportunity for granted, and will continue to push as hard as I can for great results at every event.”
Despite driving in McLaughlin’s shadow – and the availability of off-contract Tickford star Mostert – Coulthard was also retained a new deal that will see him drive for DJR/Penske for a fifth year.
“Re-signing at Shell V-Power Racing Team is something quite special to me,’’ Coulthard said. “The 2020 season will mark my fifth year driving for Dick Johnson and Roger Penske, and I have enjoyed being a part of this team immensely.
“Driving for two icons of the sport is a privilege and I feel very fortunate to be in this position.
“The team provides both Scott and I with incredible equipment and amazing teamwork, allowing us to focus on our jobs without any distraction.
“The 2019 season has been amazing so far, and I hope that we can look for more of the same in 2020.’’
Both McLaughlin and Coulthard will be in action at the Townsville 400, beginning with practice on Friday.
Bathurst crew winner ‘attacked’, hospitalised
Bathurst champion Brodie Kostecki has dropped shock news a member of his team has been “attacked”. Police are investigating.
From home inferno to Bathurst: Star’s ‘gut-wrenching’ 24 hours
On Saturday Declan Fraser’s Gold Coast home was destroyed in a house fire, the next day he was racing around Mount Panorama in the Bathurst 1000. He takes REBECCA WILLIAMS inside the ‘gut-wrenching’ 24 hours.