Still victorious, Scott McLaughlin gets closer to the title

At the opening of this three-race weekend at The Bend, Scott McLaughlin (DJR Team Penske) imposed his law. Already a winner on the same track seven days ago, the New Zealander did it again this Saturday and thus won his 12th victory of the season. The title now reaches out to him.

At The Bend, this first race was not easy for Scott McLaughlin. Indeed, he was neck and neck with Shane van Gisbergen (Red Bull Holden Racing Team) throughout the meeting and was only ahead of him by six tenths at the finish.

Starting from pole, Scott McLaughlin quickly took off and consolidated his first place while behind him the battle raged. Threatened by the return of Jack Le Brocq (Supercheap Auto Racing), the championship leader managed to get rid of him thanks to a good stop. Having entered the pits a lap after his rival, the New Zealander came out far in front of the Australian and did not meet him again during the race.

Comfortably installed in the lead, Scott McLaughlin saw Shane van Gisbergen significantly reduce the gap, even falling to three tenths with six laps remaining. Despite this threatening comeback, the DJR Team Penske driver held on and was first to take the checkered flag.

Thanks to this 12th success in 2020, Scott McLaughlin is closer than ever to winning his third championship in a row. In the Drivers' standings, he is 263 points ahead of Jamie Whincup and 499 over Cameron Waters. Second this Saturday, Shane van Gisbergen is fourth, 515 points behind the leader.