Absolutely the Real Deal

Christchurch-born teenager Scott McLaughlin, 19, continues to impress with slick showing in Albert Park V8 Supercars Challenge warm-up. McLaughlin, a Garry Rogers Motorsport driver, was impressive in the opening practice sessions of the Challenge after finishing second and fourth fastest. He eventually qualified eighth. Defending Supercars champion Australian Jamie Whincup said McLaughlin was “absolutely the real deal”. “He’ll go a long way if he’s got the right people around him, he’ll do very big things in this category without doubt,” Whincup said. McLaughlin claimed the V8 development championship title last year as well as New Zealand’s V8 SuperTourer Championship. “The last two years have been unbelievable,” Melbourne-based McLaughlin said.