McLaughlin’s reaction to Michigan masterclass

Two-time defending Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin enjoyed a virtual return to form at Michigan to keep his BP Supercars All Stars Eseries title hopes alive.

WATCH: SVG, MCLAUGHLIN DEBRIEF MICHIGAN THRILLER

The Shell V-Power Racing driver had led the standings for much of the competition before Holden rival Shane van Gisbergen surged into the lead with a run of nine wins in 12 races.

Van Gisbergen still holds a slender advantage over his countryman, although making an extra stop in the Michigan finale last night cost him crucial points to McLaughlin.

The latter meanwhile went on to win the 150-point race, having placed second and third in the night’s earlier sprints.

McLaughlin could have won the opener but for running out of fuel at the last corner, while his drive to third came from 30th in the reverse grid race.

All up, the 26-year-old cut a satisfied figure.

“Can’t complain with a win and three podiums!” said McLaughlin.

“I feel really comfortable racing on the oval circuits since I’ve turned so many virtual laps on them.

“There’s so much strategy in how you place your car during the corners, so that makes it a lot of fun.

“Had some awesome battles up front with Shane and really looking forward to the final round next week at Bathurst and Oran Park.”

Fabian Coulthard continued the oval form that saw him jag a podium at Charlotte a fortnight ago, taking results on sixth, fifth and 10th.

Similar to his teammate from earlier in the round, Coulthard limped across the line in the longer last race after running out of fuel.

“I was quite surprised that there wasn’t a Safety Car in the final race, considering there was on in the shorter Race 2,” he said.

“It definitely could have helped me out after an early tangle which sent me backwards.”

Wildcard Aaron Seton meanwhile had a solid outing including a top 10 finish: “I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot throughout the night.

“I struggled a little bit in qualifying but feel like I made up a lot of ground in the races.”

The Eseries will wrap up next Wednesday night at Oran Park and Mount Panorama before all focus shifts to the real-life return to racing at Sydney Motorsport Park on June 27-28.