MCLAUGHLIN HEATS UP IN TOWNSVILLE
July 9, 2017
TOWNSVILLE 400 – SUNDAY JULY 9 - QUALIFYING, TOP 10 SHOOTOUT AND RACE 14
Fabian Coulthard - No. 12 Shell V-Power Racing Ford
Qualifying – 12th (Fastest Lap: 1m12.5586s)
Race 14 – 21st (Fastest Lap: 1m13.4567s)
Scott McLaughlin - No. 17 Shell V-Power Racing Ford
Qualifying – FIRST (Fastest Lap: 1m12.0731s - New Lap Record)
Top 10 Shootout – FIRST (Fastest Lap: 1m11.990s - New Lap Record)
Race 14 – 2nd (Fastest Lap: 1m12.9522s - Under Old Race Lap Record)
Fabian Coulthard - No. 12 Shell V-Power Racing Ford
Recap: Coulthard got pushed down the order off the start after qualifying 12th. He made an error, which saw him take a 15sec time penalty at his first stop. He lost a lap as a result, and then had to push hard from the rear of the field. He got the lap back, only to lose it again at his second pit stop. He got to p21 at the end of the race, and continues to sit third in the championship.
Quote: "It's been a weekend to forget, that's for sure. We tried our hardest to get on top of the car, but we just couldn't manage it. Great weekend for Scott, a dream run. Work to do on our side of the garage, but we'll look to come back stronger at the next race. I've been in far worse positions than this previously, so we'll bounce back."
Scott McLaughlin - No. 17 Shell V-Power Racing Ford
Recap: McLaughlin was dominant in qualifying again today, starting the race from pole position. He kept the race lead until the first round of pit stops when he took more fuel than Whincup, with a 2s gap maintained across most of the next stint. Whincup was then able to maintain the lead after the second round of stops. McLaughlin pushed hard and, despite the combined handicap of a cool suit failure and 60-plus degree cabin temps, finished only 1.4s behind Whincup for a solid second place at the end of the 200km affair. He has kept the championship lead.
Quote: "I lost my cool suit at the end of the race there, which was tough. But well done to Jamie, it was only a matter of time that he was going to win a race. Thanks to all my guys at Shell V-Power Racing, great to get another podium and continue the consistency."