Big Week For McLaughlin - Signs With Stone Brothers Racing

press release

In what can only be described as the week from heaven, Gold Coast teenager Scott McLaughlin has more than one reason to be excited about his sporting and motor racing future.

Last weekend (Sunday) McLaughlin wrapped up the Victorian Country Series in Clubman Light at Warrnambool Raceway in Western Victoria, charging around the 700-metre circuit to record a clean sweep of victories and fastest laps to close out the six-round series in fine style.  The New Zealand born karting ace also recorded the fastest lap in each race and was delighted to claim his first major series win since moving into the senior ranks at the start of this year.

“It’s absolutely awesome and the perfect end to what has been a hard fought series.  My normal mechanic (Robbie Morton) is on his honeymoon and we had Peter Woodgate giving myself and Phil a hand this weekend, so to score three from three is a great way to win my first senior series.”

McLaughlin had arrived in Warrnambool full of confidence and with the added boost of having been awarded the “Most Valued Player” award for the St Stephen’s College Rugby Academy.  The award is voted by the players in the team and Mclaughlin was simply blown away to be recognised by his fellow school-mates and players.

“I love my rugby, and it’s been a great way to stay fit and sharp which I am sure has helped my racing season.  I had no idea about the award and when they read out my name I thought I was hearing things.  My rugby coach is keen for me to put on some more muscle so I can develop into a strong hooker but I have to watch my weight while I am still racing karts.  I’m sure I can balance the two,” said Scott.

The good news didn’t end there with McLaughlin’s racing career receiving a further boost after leading V8 Supercar team Stone Brothers Racing (SBR) extended an offer for Scott to commence a graduate program with their Yatala-based racing operation.  McLaughlin completed work experience with SBR earlier in the year and team owners, Ross and Jim Stone, were extremely impressed with Scott’s work ethic and professional approach to his chosen passion.

The graduate program will this week see Scott complete a further two weeks of work experience prior to joining the team as an apprentice next year and Scott sees the opportunity to join the team as the perfect platform to commence his professional motor racing career.

“This is a great opportunity for me to align a technical qualification to my future motor racing pursuits and I can’t wait to get started.  We met with my school and they fully supported me choosing this option and I can’t wait to be part of SBR.  They can teach me so much that will help my motor racing plans and if I can’t succeed in carving out a driving career in V8 Supercar I will be more than happy working within in the industry in one of the top teams.”

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