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MCLAUGHLIN MAKES IT A HAT-TRICK

Scott McLaughlin dominated the Melbourne 400 opener - Photo: InSyde Media

By Bruce Williams

Date posted: March 15, 2019

Scott McLaughlin dominated the Melbourne 400 opener - Photo: InSyde Media

Scott McLaughlin dominated the Melbourne 400 opener – Photo: InSyde Media

Scott McLaughlin has taken the opening race of the weekend for the Supercars at Albert Park to open his title defence undefeated.

It was a Mustang domination at the front with the new coupe taking the first five positions highlighted by Chaz Mostert’s charge from 22nd to fifth, which also netted the lap record, a 1m 55.7280.

There was disappointment for Shane van Gisbergen as a transmission failure left the Kiwi stricken on lap 21.

McLaughlin made a perfect start and held off his teammate Fabian Coulthard to deliver DJR Team Penske a 1-2 ahead of Cam Waters, who maintained a comfortable third position through the entirety.

Shane Van Gisbergen struck issues - Photo: InSyde Media

Shane Van Gisbergen struck issues – Photo: InSyde Media

Struggling early, van Gisbergen mounted a challenge after his pit stop, quickly disposing of Will Davison and catching the lead trio, before his aforementioned problems.

Behind, the first of the Holdens was Brad Jones Racing’s Tim Slade, finishing ahead of James Courtney, Jamie Whincup, Lee Holdsworth and David Reynolds.

The lead Nissan was Andre Heimgartner in 15th after completing a late pass on team leader Rick Kelly.

Supercars take to the track again at 12:50pm AEDT for the second race of the weekend.

For more of the latest Supercars news, pick up the current issue of Auto Action, both in stores and online 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.

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