We talk to Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin about his first car.
Scott McLaughlin is doing pretty well on the car front. For the reigning Supercars champion, work is driving his new Shell V-Power Racing Ford Mustang GT. When it’s time to clock off, he has another (road-going) Mustang GT to play with. (And he isn't the only one: Shell gave customers the chance to win a new Ford Mustang GT customised by Scott earlier this year.) But where did it all start for the speedy 26-year-old Kiwi? Here, he casts his mind back.
I was still on my P-plates when I first turned professional in Supercars! - Scott McLaughlin
What sparked your interest in cars?
I was young, around five years old, watching Bathurst with my dad. That’s when it really started to tick over for me.
Who did you follow as a child, Ford or Holden?
When I was growing up (and still now), I was a massive Greg Murphy fan. He was the best Kiwi driver in Supercars. He drove a Holden but the car he drove was less important to me than the driver. I would have supported him whatever he drove.
You started karting at eight and raced your first Supercar at 16. When did you get your road licence?
I was 16, so I was still on my P-plates when I first turned professional in Supercars!
What was your first car?
A Ford Falcon XR6.
Did you have your eye on it for a while?
A long time – I really wanted a manual road car similar to my race car so I could practice my gear changing and clutch control.
How much did it cost?
Dad and I went halves. I had to pay him back the other half before I moved out of home. I paid my dad NZ$25,000 before I moved out – you work out the rest!
What did you love most about it?
It was manual, comfortable and had plenty of grunt for a young bloke.
Did it ever let you down?
I burnt the clutch out doing practice starts at a racetrack one day.
Do you still have it?
I sold it when I first moved to Melbourne for my first Supercars drive. I needed money and thankfully I had a company car waiting for me.