New Zealander Scott McLaughlin has completed a clean sweep of the V8 Supercars round on Victoria’s Phillip Island, storming home in Sunday’s 200km race.
Just as he did on Saturday, the Volvo man took pole and was never headed in a drama-free drive, making the sensational look simple.
He beat home reigning champion Mark Winterbottom and DJR Team Penske man Scott Pye, celebrating with wild burnouts on the coastal circuit.
The Christchurch-born McLaughlin arrived on the Island without success in 44 races but is now the only man with two wins to his name this season.
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The 22-year-old leaves with a new lap record, A$2000 for his pair of pole positions and 300 championship points added to his tally.
He is now second in the V8 Supercar series, 15 points behind new leader Jamie Whincup.
Given his status as the most in-demand driver on the grid, he might have added significantly to his sign-on fee.
“I was yelling is much under the helmet that I’ve lost my voice,” McLaughlin said.
“To the guys and girls from GRM, thanks for sticking by me through thick and thin and giving me such a great car. We are coming back and I think we will have a good one this year.
“I couldn’t do it without such a great team behind me.”
McLaughlin’s biggest challenge came on the opening lap from Whincup, who tried an audacious outside pass on McLaughlin but the 22-year-old refused to yield, sending the Red Bull man wide onto the grass.
McLaughlin’s team boss Garry Rogers applauded his effort from the pit lane.
“That’s what you want. You don’t want the ones who give up and sook it,” he told Fox Sports.
Whincup was able to recover from his wild ride without losing position but there was plenty of action behind him.
Another New Zealander, Shane van Gisbergen, and James Moffat, clashed with Winterbottom, whose teammate Chaz Mostert was turned around by Garth Tander shortly after.
Mostert would recover well to finish eighth.
Cam Waters’ tyre blow-out on the high-speed main straight brought a safety car and restart with just eight laps remaining.
It made no difference to McLaughlin, who continued unchallenged, but Whincup made an uncharacteristic slip to throw his podium away.
The six-time champion ran wide on the final corner to allow Winterbottom and Pye to sneak by.
Pye’s teammate, Kiwi Fabian Coulthard, encountered engine trouble on the formation lap, lost speed off the grid and finished in the garage.
Jason Bright also lost power and required a tow home.
Coulthard had finished third in Saturday’s race and van Gisbergen was fourth. He is now sixth in the championship and Coulthard is 15th, while fellow Kiwis Andre Heimgartner and Chris Pither are 24th and 26th respectively.
