hero-img

McLaughlin praises champion-elect van Gisbergen

28 Oct 2022
'He’s in a league of his own right now'
2 mins by James Pavey
Advertisement

Scott McLaughlin has showered praise on Shane van Gisbergen, who could today seal a third Supercars title.

Van Gisbergen needs just a finish of 24th to become a three-time Supercars champion.

He would join countryman McLaughlin on three titles.

McLaughlin is on the Gold Coast, having flown to Australia from the United States.

The two Kiwis were heated rivals in their days in Supercars before McLaughlin departed for IndyCar.

However, the two have maintained a friendship, each texting each other through their various successes.

Through it all, McLaughlin could be on site to see van Gisbergen join him on three titles this weekend.

It comes after van Gisbergen broken McLaughlin’s 2019 record of wins in a season.

McLaughlin back Down Under

“He’s been awesome to watch – he’s in a league of his own right now,” McLaughlin said.

"He’s at one with the car. He and Andrew are obviously working really well together.

“They’ve found a point with their car where they just know.

“They go out in that session and he’s straight to the top of the time sheets.”

McLaughlin was left in awe when van Gisbergen won an epic Pukekohe finale in September.

Advertisement

Van Gisbergen sent off his home track with a stirring run from eighth.

He defeated Cam Waters, who is the only driver who can prevent van Gisbergen from winning the title.

McLaughlin, who will join the Adelaide broadcast team, said van Gisbergen is at the peak of his powers.

SVG and Waters' incredible Pukekohe duel

However, McLaughlin believes van Gisbergen will still be the one to beat come Gen3 and 2023.

“He’s got that confidence. It should be enjoyed, everyone up and down pit lane, they raise that level,” McLaughlin said.

“Me, Jamie [Whincup] and Shane, we all just kept raising the bar, we kept working and pushing each other all the way.

“When you have a guy at the peak of their powers, you raise everyone to another level.

“The thing Shane’s doing differently to everyone else is it’s week in, week out.

“That New Zealand race I watched, I couldn’t believe he won that. It was incredible.

“Big props to him… we have a ton of respect for each other.

“We had some ding dong battles… but at the same time, he’s one of the best guys I’ve ever raced."

Last laps: SVG wins final Bathurst for Holden

Related News

Advertisement