McLaughlin laughs off V8s switch rumours

Scott McLaughlin, the fastest Kiwi in V8 Supercars, is going nowhere.

Ahead of the weekend’s meet at Phillip Island, the Volvo man has been the subject of fierce speculation linking him away from his Volvo drive in 2017.

Holden Racing Team and DJR Team Penske have both been mooted as destinations for the 22-year-old, one of the hottest properties in local motorsport.

But McLaughlin denied the rumours.

“The people linking me have absolutely no clue because they have no idea about what goes on in my life,” he told AAP.

“It’s one of those things that I’ve got to cop. It just happens in the silly season.

“On Tuesday I’m getting linked to HRT. On Thursday it’s Penske. I’m actually happy where I am.”

McLaughlin did admit it was “pretty cool” to be talked up by other teams.

He suggested one big decision – totally out of his hands – would come before he even starts to think about his future.

“I really enjoy the Volvo influence and being a factory driver. They haven’t said they’ll sign on (for future V8 Supercars seasons) yet. I’m waiting for that,” he said.

“If they sign on that’s going to be a massive coup for me and something to really think about.

McLaughlin has become one of the series’ best qualifiers in four years on tour but has yet to convert high grid positions into regular podiums.

He’s equal ninth in the championship and frustrated by results not coming so easily.

The latest mis-step was came at Symmons Plains this month when his S60 lost a cylinder on the grid and ruined his Saturday race.

This weekend, he’s racing at his best venue on the Supercars circuit.

Two race wins and five podiums make Phillip Island a McLaughlin speciality and he’s keen to keep it that way.

“It’s been a good place for me,” he said.

“It suits my driving style. The car flows through the corners.

“I’ve driven other cars there too including in the Porsche Carrera Cup and won.

“Going to a track we know we can go well at means this can be a good stepping stone for the rest of the year.”

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