McLaughlin amped for ANZAC battle at ITM 500 Auckland

Record-setting V8 Supercars star Scott McLaughlin already has goosebumps anticipating the ITM 500 Auckland V8 Supercars event at Pukekohe over ANZAC Weekend.

It was at Pukekohe Park Raceway last year McLaughlin came into prominence, recording his first Championship win and becoming the youngest V8 Supercars driver to win a race at just 19 years of age.

This year he returns with a new Volvo S60, that has immediately showed strong pace – McLaughlin created headlines at the season opener with its brilliant second place in its first outing, along with his famous jandal reference and bleep.

McLaughlin, in Auckland today to promote the Anzac weekend showdown at Pukekohe Park Raceway, said he is already excited about the race.

In a media session in front of the Auckland Cenotaph today, McLaughlin said the Anzac date and the decision to name the RSA as the official charity has added another element to the event.

“Standing here by the Museum with the Cenotaph back home is so exciting,” he said.

“I am fizzing after seeing all the event banners around the city and can’t wait to come back to race.”

McLaughlin, who has two podiums already this season and last weekend scored his first ARMOR ALL Pole Position in V8 Supercars, lies 10th in the Championship, after a weekend of unfortunate circumstances at Winton.

“We have had a few little issues that have meant we have not had the result we wanted. But the car has got great speed and so when we are on, then we have been very competitive,” McLaughlin said.

“For a new team I think we have shown that we are going to be a real threat for sure. And with a fast car, then there’s no better track to come to than Pukekohe.

“We have had two races last weekend when the three Kiwi drivers qualified fastest which is brilliant.

“All we need now is for the fans to come and give us that extra support we need and we can really honour the Anzacs with a Kiwi win at Pukekohe.”

The ITM 500 Auckland at Pukekohe Park Raceway is a four-day program over Anzac Weekend on 24-27 April.

Motorsport fans will be able to experience support category action on Thursday 24 April, before an afternoon start on Anzac Day with V8 Supercars race action including the first 100km race. There will be two further 100km races on Saturday and one 200km race on Sunday.

Grandstand tickets for the extended race program range from NZ$172 for unreserved seating for four days to NZ$232 for Gold Grandstand covered seating (with amenities and V8 Supercars Paddock Access).

Hurry in for your tickets and receive a free pair of jandals, branded with McLaughlin’s signature saying, and a chance to win merchandise signed by the Kiwi young gun.