'The marks are still there': Absent McLaughlin's Bathurst legacy
Scott McLaughlin will be present at Mount Panorama in a different way in 2021 thanks to the marks left by his 2020 title-winning burnout.
It was confirmed last week that United-States-based McLaughlin will not feature at December's Repco Bathurst 1000.
Team Penske IndyCar driver McLaughlin was slated to drive for the Shell V-Power Racing Team.
However, due to current government restrictions and quarantine requirements caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he will not travel to Australia.
Alex Davison was confirmed as brother Will's co-driver in the #17 Mustang, with Anton De Pasquale to be joined by Tony D'Alberto.
It marks the fifth time the Davison brothers have combined to race at Mount Panorama.
However, 2019 winner McLaughlin poked fun at his absence, uploading photos which show the tyre marks from his burnout at Skyline.
"Keep an eye out, I’ll be in Bathurst this year regardless," McLaughlin wrote.
"My mate sent me this, the marks are still there."
McLaughlin celebrated his 2020 title at Mount Panorama despite not winning the Great Race.
He had already sewn up his crown at Tailem Bend, and enjoyed a moment to himself after finishing fifth in Bathurst.
McLaughlin joined Shane van Gisbergen in celebration, with the latter having claiming his maiden Bathurst victory.
As countryman van Gisbergen completed his victory lap around Mount Panorama, McLaughlin followed behind.
McLaughlin moved to America just days later to begin his rookie IndyCar campaign, and was recently crowned Rookie of the Year.
The Repco Bathurst 1000 will be a six-day event between November 30 and December 5.
