Photo: DJR Team Penske

Third win of the year for Scott McLaughlin at Winton

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DJR Team Penske driver Scott McLaughlin claimed his third Supercars victory of the season in the first race of the weekend at Winton Motor Raceway.

The Kiwi started from pole and was in the lead for the majority of the race, with the victory elevating him to second in the championship, just ten points behind team-mate and championship leader Fabian Coulthard who crossed the line in third in this race.

Jamie Whincup of Triple Eight Race Engineering crossed the finishing line in second position, receiving hard pressure from Coulthard at the end of the race.

Chaz Mostert challenged McLaughlin for the lead in the first part of the race, but dropped down to ultimately retire due to a technical issue.

David Reynolds claimed fourth position for Erebus Motorsport, climbing strongly from 14th position on the grid thanks to a late pit stop strategy.

Fellow Holden driver Craig Lowndes pulled off a similar strategy, finishing sixth from 19th on the grid behind Will Davison and ahead of Garth Tander.

Reigning champion Shane van Gisbergen had a tough race to finish eight, despite starting third on the grid.

The race was ended with a clash between Brad Jones Racing driver Nick Percat and Walkinshaw Racing driver James Courtney. The duo came together on the penultimate lap, with Courtney spinning across the front-end of Percat’s car, with plenty of panel rubbing ahead of the final clash.

There was one drive-through penalty issued during the race to Tim Slade for contact with Rick Kelly when rejoining the track from a pit stop.