SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN TAKES THE DOUBLE

Scott McLaughlin led into Southern Loop this time. Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

It was the double for Scott McLaughlin at Phillip Island after he took a comfortable victory in Race 10 of the Supercars Championship.

McLaughlin led from the start, but initial pit stops dropped the championship leader to fourth as a late Safety Car call to recover James Courtney’s stricken Walkinshaw Andretti United at the entry to pit lane aided and impeded various teams. A transmission issue was the cause of Courtney’s retirement.

McLaughlin was held up in pit lane as Rick Kelly and David Reynolds jumped the DJR Team Penske driver as he had to give way to the pair at pit exit. Kelly followed the same strategy of short filling in the first stop, which gave him second in yesterday’s race.

Kelly led, but the fuel drop played its part as he was required to stay out longer due to the Nissan’s fuel efficiency meaning he popped out in third. McLaughlin on the other hand was given an aggressive strategy by the DJR Team Penske crew and it paid off. He was able to stay in clear air and when Reynolds exited pit lane he was right on his tail.

Reynolds was under instant pressure but held on for a couple of laps until McLaughlin replicated the exact same pass that he had completed on Whincup for the lead in Race 9.

From there, McLaughlin continued to extend his margin as Reynolds struggled with his higher fuel level and cold tyres. The championship leader managed the gap back to the chasing Erebus Motorsport driver, crossing the line 0.6687s clear.

Nissan was on the podium again as Kelly took his first double-podium for seven years, holding off a fast closing Fabian Coulthard.

Rick Kelly completed his first double podium in a Nissan. Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Michael Caruso gave Nissan a double joy in fifth, while the top 10 was completed by Shane van Gisbergen, Craig Lowndes, Chaz Mostert, Jamie Whincup and Garth Tander.

SVG and Lowndes tangled at the end, which led the Kiwi to re-dress, but he was able to gain the place back at the exit of Siberia.

McLaughlin’s win means he extends his points lead to 60 points over Reynolds heading to the next round of the series at Barbagallo on May 5-6.

For more of the latest Supercars news, pick up the latest issue of Auto Action, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.