McLaughlin's journey from 'hated' to champion
25 Nov 2018
Scott McLaughlin has hailed the influence of the likes of team owners Ross and Jim Stone and Garry Rogers on his path from a 16-year-old with 'haters' to Supercars champion.
The New Zealander sealed the 2018 title on Sunday in Newcastle for Shell V-Power Racing, in his sixth season in the main game.
McLaughlin also acknowledged his family's support, including a special promise made earlier in his career.
"It pays off, mum and dad's hard work; my dad put his balls on the line business-wise to do it," he added.
"If it didn't work out he was in the crap, so I owe a lot to my mum and dad. It's a proud moment for us.
"I never had dreams of going to Formula 1 or anything like that. I dreamt of this trophy and the Bathurst trophy like my hero Murph (Greg Murphy).
"It's a pretty emotional day for my family. I promised my gran, before she passed away, that I'd do it for her, and I did it.
"It's been a pressure-cooker year, [on Saturday] night I was struggling to get some sleep. I'm just so bloody proud to get it done, it's a massive weight off my shoulders."
