McLaughlin expects Adelaide records to 'tumble'

Scott McLaughlin is anticipating lap record pace at the newly-resurfaced Adelaide Parklands Circuit.

Much of the 3.2km circuit has been resurfaced for this year’s VALO Adelaide 500.

Fresh tarmac was from Turn 9 back to Turn 7.

The untouched sections were the straights either side of Turn 8.

Resurfacing has also smoothed out bumps, notably into the run to Turn 4.

Shane van Gisbergen holds the qualifying record, a 1:19.295s set back in 2017.

The race lap record, meanwhile, remains a 1:20.379s set by Chaz Mostert in 2019.

Mostert's 1:19.241s in 2020 Friday practice is the quickest ever lap in a Supercar.

Improved grip levels and tyre degradation will offer a number of unknowns, which will be unearthed in Thursday practice.

For McLaughlin — who will be on the Adelaide broadcast — the existing lap records won’t last long.

“You’re going to see records tumble,” McLaughlin said.

“It’s going to be very fast-paced.

“I’m sure there will be fireworks as well between the drivers.

“All bets are off for the last race of the year and the championship is done.

“I’m very excited. Hopefully they put on a good show for the fans.”

The infamous Turn 8 could play a role should drivers try to push the envelope.

Drivers have come undone as early as the Thursday of the event before as they push the limits.

“The risk versus reward is high,” Nick Percat told Supercars.com of Turn 8.

“It's not a corner where you can gain a lot of lap time, because it’s a high-speed corner.

“You’re in and out of it fairly quickly, but it’s nice to look at the microsectors and see your name towards the top.

“It shows that some drivers are more crazy than others.”

Practice 1 for the Supercars field starts on Thursday at 3:55pm local time.