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SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN GREAT IN THE WEST

Scott McLaughlin takes his first win for Penske - Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

By Bruce Williams

Scott McLaughlin takes his first win for Penske - Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

Scott McLaughlin takes his first win for Penske – Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

Scott McLaughlin has broken through to take his first win for DJR Team Penske in Race 7 of the Supercars Championship at Barbagallo Raceway.

The 23-year-old led all the way in the race, beating teammate Fabian Coulthard away with a perfect start and dominating the race. The Shell V-Power Fords galloped away from the field in the first 10 laps, prompting thoughts that they may have been on a two-stop strategy. But they made a single stop, allowing McLaughlin to take a win over Coulthard by 1.3s.

It was certainly an emphatic performance, underlined by the gap to the opposition. Third-placed Jamie Whincup was more than six seconds behind after 50 laps, admitting that the Fords were “too fast” and that there was nothing more to come from the Red Bull HRT Holden. Teammate Shane van Gisbergen was fourth, only after taking the place from Chaz Mostert with six laps to go.

The DJR Team Penske duo leading in Perth - Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

The DJR Team Penske duo leading in Perth – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

With the tyre wear of the Shell Fords as impressive as their speed, Sunday’s longer race looks to be the opportunity to make it a double win in front of team co-owner Roger Penske, who stood on a Supercars podium representing the winning team for the first team.

Qualifying begins at 11:15am Perth time on Sunday and the 83-lap race starts at 2:15pm.

Keep tuned into Auto Action for all the latest Supercars action across the weekend.