Scott McLaughlin: ‘There’s a lot of tall poppy syndrome out there’

Scott McLaughlin has hit out at the “tall poppy syndrome” of other Supercars drivers in the wake of his maiden Bathurst win, and revealed his first conversation with Shane van Gisbergen after beating the Holden driver by a fraction of a second.

Supercars leader Scott McLaughlin has hit out at the tall poppy syndrome of other drivers after winning his first Bathurst 1000 in controversial circumstances two weeks ago.

McLaughlin’s win was upheld by a racing tribunal, who slapped his DJR Racing Team Penske team with a $250,000 fine, the most significant financial penalty in Supercars history.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 13: Scott McLaughlin driver of the #17 Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang and Alex Premat driver of the #17 Shell V-Power Racing Team Ford Mustang celebrate after winning the Bathurst 1000 on October 13, 2019 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Bathurst’s latest King of the Mountain met with Shane van Gisbergen, who finished second, after the race.

“We spoke about (the Bathurst fallout),” McLaughlin said.

“He was all good, he congratulated me and there was no angst or anything.

“It’s why I respect him the most out of anyone, and it’s why I respect him even more (now).

“We’ve had our ups and downs but we always have a beer at the end of the day and tell each other how much we enjoy racing each other.

“That’s something you can’t ask for from many drivers because there is a lot of tall poppy syndrome out there.”

Supercars and Shell V-Power Racing Team driver Scott McLaughlin and co-driver Alex Premat inspecting the new look concert stage at Club 600 where DJs will perform at Macintosh Island. Picture: Jerad Williams

Van Gisbergen and McLaughlin are two of the most talented competitors in the field, and the Holden driver remains one of the key obstacles between McLaughlin and locking up the 2019 championship at the 600.

“Shane is a bloody good racedriver,” McLaughlin offered in praise of his rival.

“We’ve had some mega battles (at the GC600) over the years so I’m looking forward to the fight.

“There’s not many weaknesses to be honest; he’s very brave and that’s what you need around here.

“You’re travelling across the beach chicane at 160 odd kmp/h, basically flying, and then you land about half an inch off the wall.

“It’s a tough racetrack but we all love it.

“Track position will be key, so if we can quality well it puts us in position to win a surfboard and go surfing on Monday morning.”