SCOTT McLaughlin made history with a scintillating lap of Mount Panorama last October and next month he will be back to seek more success in Bathurst.
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McLaughlin became the fastest Supercars driver to ever go around Mount Panorama during the Top 10 Shootout of the Bathurst 1000, producing a scorching two minute and 3:8312 second lap.
But can McLaughlin achieve similar feats of greatness behind the wheel of a McLaren 650S?
On Monday it was confirmed that McLaughlin would spearhead YNA Autosport’s Pro-Am entry in the upcoming Bathurst 12 Hour.
Sharing the car with McLaughlin will be Australian GT race winner Fraser Ross, factory McLaren GT driver Andrew Watson and experienced Swedish racer Alexander West.
The well credentialed lineup complements the previously announced all-Pro lineup, providing YNA Autosport an opportunity to claim both outright and class victories.
After a successful Supercars Championship, McLaughlin will make just his second appearance at the Bathurst 12 Hour, and his first at the wheel of a McLaren 650S GT3.
“I am really excited for my first attack at the Bathurst 12 Hour in Class A machinery,” said McLaughlin.
“We have a great line up to attack the Pro-Am class honours but also attack the outright order.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and excited to be in a fantastic car like the McLaren with some great teammates.
“The 12 Hour is a perfect way to start my racing season and hopefully we can kick it off with some success.”
Ross – who competed with YNA Autosport throughout the 2017 Australian GT season – is excited to take on the Mount.
“We have a very strong lineup and with the support of YNA Autosport and McElrea Racing, we are entering this very confident,” he said.
“The McLaren has proved time and time again its capabilities with its previous success around the world and particularly at Bathurst.
“I believe we will be force to be reckoned with for Pro-Am honours.”
Also poised to make his second Bathurst 12 Hour appearance is Andrew Watson, after being a member of McLaren’s 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour efforts.
A race winner in the International GT Open series and Class winner at the Sepang 12 Hours, Watson last year competed in the Blancpain GT Series.
“Going back to Bathurst is an amazing chance as we had a lot of speed in the McLaren in 2016, so I know the 650S GT3 is good around the Mountain,” said Watson.
“I already know Fraser and Alex, and I’m looking forward to teaming up with Scott as I know how handy these V8 drivers are after racing with Shane van Gisbergen in 2016 in Europe.”