Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin writes on the tank of a Suzuki Mudbug, donated by Ilana Wilks and Mark Penny (right). New owners are Allan and Jan Mockford (left). Photo / Cathy Asplin
Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin writes on the tank of a Suzuki Mudbug, donated by Ilana Wilks and Mark Penny (right). New owners are Allan and Jan Mockford (left). Photo / Cathy Asplin
Thunderous applause accompanied champion driver Scott McLaughlin's opening statement at a charity event in Te Awamutu.
"This is my first appearance as a Supercars Champion," he said to the audience.
The Kiwi driver was guest speaker at the Cornerstone Trust luncheon, just days after winning the V8 Supercars Series Championshipin Australia.
Cornerstone Trust was established to financially help Te Awamutu athletes onto the world stage.
Auctioneer Andy Transom looks for bids for Scott McLaughlin's visor (off the helmet he wore at Bathurst). Photo / Cathy Asplin
"I was in the driver's seat and didn't really know what manual was, but I took it out of gear. My sister managed to take the handbrake off and with that we rolled down the hill — straight into dad's car.
Novice karter Louise Rawson had the top bid for the Scott McLaughlin framed photos. Scott provided a handwritten message of encouragement on the back of the frame. Photo / Cathy Asplin
"He was furious as we had smashed the lights on the Skoda — no surprise really — and dented his car.
"The car yard was very good about it, but Dad threw us into our car and said 'we're going home.'
"He slammed the car door so hard he popped out the dent. All good."
Grant and Shirley Wilks purchased the Jack Lovelock oak tree sapling which will be planted at Albert Park. Photo / Cathy Asplin
Around a week later Scott took the next step in his driving career.
"We went to a have-a-go karting day at Mystery Creek and I haven't looked back. I was six at that stage and started racing when I was seven."
After winning karting titles in New Zealand and Australia he had a dream of racing Supercars, so did work experience with Stone Brothers Racing in 2010.
In 2011 he had his first win in the NZ Touring Car series aged just 17.
"I was ticking my goals off each year, even though I crashed a few times."
He was sixth in Bathurst in 2012 and followed up by signing a three-year contract with Garry Rogers Motorsport.
He won his first V8 Supercars race at Pukekohe in 2013.
"I thought being paid to drive was so cool — driving a Volvo wasn't quite so cool — but I was allowed to be myself."
In 2014 Scott attracted some unexpected attention.
"I was on live TV after a race in Adelaide, when I swore after I 'gave it some jandal', and the coverage attracted the attention of American Ron Penske.
"That contract with DJR Team Penske changed my life forever. In 2017 I had a record lap at Bathurst, but also had to look at mistakes made in the race. It was hard to take, but I learnt to be hurt and come back stronger.
"So this year the aim was to have a top 10 place in every race — in the end we averaged third.
