McLaughlin wins Most Popular Driver Award

Scott McLaughlin has taken over Craig Lowndes’ mantle as Supercars’ most popular driver, winning the annual fan vote for 2017.

The 24-year-old was presented with the award this morning following the annual poll on Supercars.com.

Triple Eight Holden star Lowndes had taken out the award every year since it was initiated in 2013.

McLaughlin’s rise to the status of most popular driver comes in just his fifth Supercars season and first with Shell V-Power Racing.

“The backbone of our sport is the fans and we wouldn’t be doing it without them so obviously it’s a massive award for me," he told Supercars.com.

"I’ve got a great team behind me helping me with my off-track stuff and have tuned me up in a few places where I was a bit rough around the edges.

"Thanks to everyone who voted, it’s a very proud moment for me."

He is in a strong position to secure his maiden Supercars title this afternoon, having yesterday scored his 15th pole and eighth race win of the year.

Shell V-Power Racing has meanwhile picked up the Best Presented Team honour, which has also been awarded via a fan vote since 2013.

Outstanding presentation has been a hallmark of Team Penske’s racing efforts over many decades and was a focus of the American organisation when it took over Dick Johnson Racing at the end of 2014.

Team owner Roger Penske accepted the award on behalf of the team.

“It’s a real credit to the whole team, obviously to have the success we’ve had this year is amazing and this really tops it off,” Penske told Supercars.com.

Red Bull won Best Presented Team in 2013, '14 and '16, with Walkinshaw’s Holden Racing Team taking it out in '15.

The result of the third fan-voted award, for the Event of the Year, will be announced at Monday's Supercars Gala Dinner in Sydney.