Triple Crown for Penske Driver Scott McLaughlin
Christchurch-born Scott McLaughlin has ended a 13-year wait with a thumping win to become the first Supercars driver to win the Triple Crown in Darwin. ESPN’s Eamonn Tiernan reports that DJR Team Penske star McLaughlin, 26, enjoyed a flawless weekend in the Top End after winning both races from pole and the top-10 shootout in his Ford Mustang.
No driver had completed the trifecta since its inception in 2006. McLaughlin also drew level with legend Peter Brock to sit equal-second on the list of career pole positions (57).
McLaughlin has been almost unstoppable this season. He was flawless again over the weekend crushing the field by 13.8 seconds for his fifth-straight win.
The New Zealander is a heavy favourite to win consecutive Supercars championships after clinching his 12th win from 16 races and leads the drivers’ standings by 319 points.
McLaughlin was in control from start to finish in Darwin and said “triple crown, yew” over the radio as he crossed the line and etched his name into the history books.
“It’s been an awesome effort from the team to get the Triple Crown, the first one ever which is really cool,” McLaughlin said.
“I feel in the zone; I feel like I’m making the most of the opportunity I’ve got. The car is sensational and, when you have clear air in this series, especially on a hot track like this, you’ve got to make the most of it.”
Original article by Eamonn Tiernan, ESPN, June 16, 2019.
Photo by InSydeMedia.
