Scott McLaughlin holds a narrow lead of countryman Shane van Gisbergen going into the final round of the Supercars championship. Photo / Getty Images
The V8 Supercars head to the streets of Newcastle this weekend for the closest championship showdown in 10 years.
The Newcastle 500 will feature the last two events of the season and the scene is set for an epic battle across two 250km races tomorrow and Sunday.
Just 14 championship
points separate Kiwis Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen prior to the final two races of the year — the smallest points differential between first and second place in the past 10 years.
With the gap between the top two drivers being so close, and there being so much on the line, there are multiple ways the weekend could play out. Here is a look at some of the possible scenarios (which it might pay to cut out and keep handy):
● McLaughlin finishes second or better on Saturday and van Gisbergen does not finish, receiving zero points, McLaughlin wins the championship.
● Van Gisbergen finishes first tomorrow and McLaughlin does not finish, receiving zero points, van Gisbergen leads by 136 points heading into Sunday's finale.
● McLaughlin finishes fourth tomorrow and van Gisbergen wins, van Gisbergen leads by 16.
● McLaughlin finishes third tomorrow and van Gisbergen wins, van Gisbergen leads by seven.
● McLaughlin finishes second tomorrow and van Gisbergen wins, McLaughlin wins by two.
● Van Gisbergen finishes fifth and McLaughlin finishes seventh, van Gisbergen leads by one.
● McLaughlin wins gaining 150 points and van Gisbergen finishes 26th gaining 27 points, McLaughlin leads by 137 heading into the Sunday race.
● Van Gisbergen wins gaining 150 points and McLaughlin finishes 26th gaining 27 points, van Gisbergen leads by 109 heading into Sunday.
