Scott McLaughlin scores first Volvo victory since 1986

Scott McLaughlin claimed Volvo’s first points scoring victory in V8 Supercars since Robbie Francevic in 1986, and the first victory in Australia overall since Jim Richards in 1999.
”I have an awesome family and team behind me. Fantastic… I’m not going to swear on TV again!” said McLaughlin after the race.

The Volvo Polestar Racing driver started from pole position but was beaten into the first corner by Triple Eight’s Craig Lowndes and was passed by Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport driver Russell Ingall a lap later.

But McLaughlin was able to get back past both of them after the pit stops and had to fight his way past Ford Performance Racing driver Mark Winterbottom, Erebus Motorsport driver Will Davison and Tekno Autosports driver Shane Van Gisbergen.

As the New Zealander had taken the lead, he found him self under pressure from fellow country man Fabian Coulthard towards the end of the race. McLaughlin was able to stay ahead, but only just, with Coulthard finishing under a second behind for Brad Jones Racing.

Chaz Mostert beat team-mate Winterbottom for third position while Lee Holdsworth scored a strong fifth for Erebus Motorsport. Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Lowndes crossed the line in sixth position ahead of Davison and the best placed Nissan of Todd Kelly.