McLaughlin nominated for coveted award

Scott McLaughlin’s 2020 is already hitting height after height, with the Ford star nominated for a prestigious honour.

McLaughlin has been announced as one of 26 finalists across six categories for the 57th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, which are a celebration of New Zealand’s sporting achievements from 2019.

It comes as the 26-year-old enjoyed a dream IndyCar test with Team Penske at Sebring International Raceway in Florida.

Having won 18 races last year, including the prestigious Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, McLaughlin was nominated for the ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year honour.

Other nominees for the category include Kane Williamson (cricket), Tom Walsh (athletics) and Israel Adesanya (mixed martial arts).

All four finalists are also eligible for the night’s top honour, the supreme Halberg Award, named after Olympic champion Sir Murray Halberg who created the awards event.

MotorSport New Zealand chief executive Simon Baker hailed the accomplishments of two-time Supercars champion McLaughlin.

“It’s fantastic to have another Kiwi recognised for their motorsport achievements,” Baker said.

“Scott is one of New Zealand’s biggest talents, his success in the Supercars during the 2019 season is absolutely unheard off, to win the championship, Bathurst and break the record for the most wins in a season ever is exceptional.

“We wish him all the best for the awards, we certainly believe he has all the right credentials for taking out the award.”

Winners of each award will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday February 13 at Spark Arena in Auckland.