McLaughlin holds off Whincup

Sporting News Logo

Scott McLaughlin resisted constant pressure from defending champion Jamie Whincup to win the second race of the Ipswich 300 on Sunday.

The young Kiwi led from the start and guided his Garry Rogers Motorsport Holden to the chequered flag for the second win of his career, his first coming at the Auckland 400 in April.

Four-time V8 Supercar champion Whincup finished 0.966 seconds adrift of McLaughlin with James Courtney completing the podium nearly two seconds further back.

Fabian Coulthard gained one position in the 32-lap race to finish in fourth while Jason Bright moved up four places to round out the top five.

Veteran driver Craig Lowndes, who is currently sitting second in the season standings, could only manage 12th place after a disappointing qualifying session saw him start the race from 15th on the grid.

The 39-year-old trails Whincup by 177 points in the championship with Ford-s Will Davison, who finished ninth in race two, still in third position 283 points off the pace.

The drivers will now prepare for the third and final race of the Ipswich 300 which will take place later on Sunday afternoon.

Author(s)