McLaughlin: Clipsal 2014 changed my life

He went from a young challenger to a contender last year - and this time around at the Clipsal 500 he wants the win, not second.

"Everyone knows how we celebrate finishing second," Scott McLaughlin said with his trademark grin, talking about the 2014 season opener.

The Wilson Security GRM driver last year made headlines with his gutsy last-corner pass on Jamie Whincup in Saturday's second race, wrestling his Volvo S60 to the podium on debut at a race meeting.

His genuine excitement in the post race interview, introducing 'jandal' to Australian vernacular, gained the young Kiwi plenty more fans - and this time around he's looking to go one better and stand on top of the podium.

"Twelve months ago was mega, it was how it all started, and changed my life," the 21-year old told v8supercars.com.au.

"Now, it's a place we want to win ... I'm really looking forward to it, it's my favourite track and I love the atmosphere."

While many were surprised at the strength of the Volvo S60 out of the box last year, McLaughlin hinted the team did realise what they could achieve.

"We had an idea at the test day last year where we were at, but I didn't quite tell ya!" he smiled.

"We were quietly confident, but we knew it was going to be hard, whether it was reliability or what.

"I think we'll be right [this year], it's just a matter of getting it all together. I need to drive a good race - I still need to finish the race myself."

McLaughlin declared prior to the test day that after finishing top five, winning races and being awarded the Barry Sheene Medal last year, this time around he has to aim for the Championship.

And while it will only be his third season in the V8 Supercars category, he and other young guns in the field have proven they have the talent and the ferocity to take it to the seasoned regulars.

"In 2013, I was just trying to get a little bit of respect, it was my rookie year ... now in '15 I have to stand up for myself and prove that it doesn't bother me racing Jamie Whincup, it doesn't bother me racing Garth Tander.

"I respect those blokes immensely but at the end of the day I've got a job and we're all fighting for the same bit of real estate, so I've just got to get on with it."

Along with McLaughlin, a fellow kiwi and regular rival in 2014 has shaped as a Championship favourite in Shane van Gisbergen.

McLaughlin agrees the Darrell Lea Commodore driver will be one to feature at the front this year.

"I think Shane's doing a mega job with TEKNO - everyone knows he's a good driver and it's just great to be able to mix it with guys like that and get on with it.

"It's just good hard racing at the end of the day - that's what we live for."

While the ARMOR ALL SuperShootout at the test day gave some indication to an early form guide - McLaughlin believed the new FG Xs looked faster than last year's Fords - don't read too far into the #33's fifth placing in the full-field hit-out.

"Going into the shootout lap I sprayed it," McLaughlin said. "I just made a bit of a meal of it through four.

"So I think there's potential for sure, we're definitely a top four, top three car."

McLaughlin left the Clipsal 500 in 15th position in the Championship last year, after a costly alternator failure in Sunday's 250km race.