Motorsport: McLaughlin to sign with DJR Team Penske this week

Scott McLaughlin poses for a photo prior to the V8 Supercars Darwin Triple Crown. Photo / Getty Images

Scott McLaughlin is set to walk out on Garry Rogers and sign a deal to become the sport's latest millionaire after accepting an offer to join powerhouse Ford team DJR/Team Penske.

In what could be a crippling blow to Rogers just a month after losing manufacturing support from Volvo, McLaughlin will officially join Fabian Coulthard at DJR/Team Penske on Tuesday in a all star driving line-up when he officially signs the deal.

McLaughlin, 22, is considered to be the best young driver in the sport and has been at the centre of a three-way fight for his services with the Holden Racing Team also attempting to steal him from Volvo.

Rogers was adamant he could hold onto the young-gun until Volvo blindsided the racing veteran by pulling the pin on a lucrative new factory deal at the 11th hour.

McLaughlin wanted to stay loyal to Rogers but ultimately could not resist the lure of US billionaire Roger Penske and the promise of being delivered a championship-winning car.

DJR/Team Penske boss Ryan Story refused to comment on the signing when contacted by the Daily Telegraph on Friday night.

"We won't comment on potential signings or contracts," Story said.

"There is nothing official to report."

The Daily Telegraph had the signing confirmed from sources both close to the team and close to McLaughlin.

The deal will become official on Tuesday with DJR/Team Penske expected to issue a press release.

The deal will freeze fellow young gun Scott Pye out of a Ford seat with the team to continue with two cars despite talk of running a third entry to keep the kid or stepped in to take over from Marcos Ambrose.

Pye is considered a bright prospect and won the fledging team their first pole-position earlier this year.

The Daily Telegraph has been told Pye was sounded out for Volvo's second seat before Roger's signed James Moffatt.

Pye would be a logical replacement for McLaughlin in a straight swap given the team wanted him last year before he signed on to stay with DJR/Team Penske.

McLaughlin is expected to earn about $1m a year under the life-changing new deal.