Ford flyer Scott McLaughlin has cruised to his 49th Supercars career victory to overtake the legendary Peter Brock on the all-time race wins list.
A scorching start in the first race of the Darwin Supersprint on Saturday propelled two-time defending series champion McLaughlin past Holden rival Jamie Whincup.
It was a lead the Shell V-Power ace would not relinquish.
McLaughlin qualified second, behind Whincup, at Hidden Valley raceway on Saturday, but it mattered little as the Red Bull master was unable to catch the New Zealander and had to settle for second.
Tickford Racing’s Cameron Waters was third to claim his first podium finish since February’s Adelaide 500.
“The start was really pivotal to be able to get in front of Jamie into (position) one,” McLaughlin said.
“I was able to do my own race from there on, it was very tight but I got there in the end.
“I was really happy with how the car continued to do the same pace lap after lap.”
Just 27, McLaughlin’s career-tally is the fifth best of all-time, sitting only behind Whincup (120), Craig Lowndes (110), Mark Skaife (90) and Garth Tander (55).
The DJR Penske star, who is tipped to leave Supercars at the end of this year for a crack at IndyCar, is humbled to be in the elite category.
“It’s very cool. There’s no comparison between (him and Brock) because there were less races back then compared to what there is now,” McLaughlin said.
“Just very proud to be on that leaderboard, a pretty proud moment for me and my family.”
With seven rounds of the season still remaining, it is already shaping as a championship battle between McLaughlin and Whincup.
McLaughlin has a 109-point gap on Whincup in second, with third-placed Chaz Mostert 254 points adrift.
Another two 38-lap races will complete the round on Sunday before drivers head east to prepare for two consecutive weekends of racing in Townsville.
DARWIN SUPERSPRINT RACE ONE:
1. Scott McLaughlin (Ford)
2. Jamie Whincup (Holden)
3. Cameron Waters (Ford)
4. James Courtney (Ford)
5. Nick Percat (Holden)
