Volvo Polestar Racing thrilled with V8 Supercars debut

Volvo Polestar Racing was the main talk of the 2014 V8 Supercars premiere at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide. 20-year-old Scott McLaughlin scored a strong second place finish in the second race after a thrilling last-lap fight with champion Jamie Whincup.

“What an amazing weekend for Volvo, Polestar and GRM. Everyone has worked so hard for this and I am delighted with the podium finish,” said McLaughlin.

Despite being completed only a few weeks ahead of the season start, McLaughlin put the new Volvo S60 Polestar V8SC on the front row in qualifying and looked to be set for a new podium finish in the third race until a broken alternator put a halt to his race.

”This is a race weekend everyone involved at Volvo, Polestar and GRM can be proud of. We had some issues, but that was to be expected of a debut weekend. There is still a lot of work left to be done, but we are looking forward to the coming races with confidence,” said Christian Dahl, owner of Polestar.

Garry Rogers Motorsport, who constructed and maintains the Volvo cars in the V8 Supercars, owner Garry Rogers is confident that McLaughlin can continue to fight in the top with the likes of Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes.

”I think there is absolutely no doubt. The cars have got the speed. We’re really looking forward to the other races now. I think we’re going to be really competitive. Bring on the championship,” said Rogers to speedcafe.com.

V8 Supercars newcomer Robert Dahlgren had a tough first race weekend, qualifying and finishing the races in the bottom of the field.

”As a racing driver, the results from this weekend is a disappointment. I won’t be pleased until I am in the top. With this being a completely new championship, new tracks and a new car for me, it will take time. But I have made a lot of progress from this weekend that we can build on and I am so much longing for the next race,” said Dahlgren.