Scott McLaughlin proud to break Supercars win record on home soil

Race 24 winner Scott McLaughlin has said he was proud to break the Supercars record for wins in a season at his home event in New Zealand after he surpassed a 23-year-old record.

In notching up his 17th victory of 2019, McLaughlin beat the record of 16 set by Craig Lowndes in his debut year for the Holden Racing Team in 1996, a feat the young three-time champion set en route to winning the championship, Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 in the same year.

McLaughlin told fellow Kiwi Greg Murphy after the race that while he was keen to break the record in Auckland, he forgot about the history making implications of the victory as the order was shuffled early in the race due to a mistake by officials and Jamie Whincup under safety car.

“I completely forgot about it!” the elated McLaughlin said.

“I wanted so badly to do this on New Zealnd soil and I’m so stoked. I did everything but roll and bowl down the back straight so I’m glad I crossed the finish line straight.

“I’m really proud of our team to be up there with a guy like him (Lowndes). I’m a lucky guy in a cool car, I’m proud of New Zealand and trying to do my thing.

“There was a bit going on, I actually thought we were 15th or something but then thought it could work out for us and then Jamie got the penalty so it gifted us the lead in some ways.

“I’m just so proud of everyone, we have a great car, we lost a lot in  missing practice two so had to come back with the setup.”

As a part of the Fox Sports broadcast team, Lowndes was present to see McLaughlin beat his record and he was full of praise for the driver who leads the championship by 598 points.

“After 23 years it’s finally been done!” said Lowndes.

“I think you (McLaughlin) were three when I did it. Obviously it’s fantastic for you and you guys, you’ve done a fantastic job this year.”

With four rounds to run, there are 1200 points on offer across six races as McLaughlin looks to defend his 598 point lead and secure a second series title.