HE has just secured the 2020 Supercars Championship crown, and now Scott McLaughlin is focusing on claiming two in a row at the Bathurst 1000.
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The now three-time championship winner was presented with his Champions Plaque in recognition of claiming the Peter Brock Trophy in 2019.
He collected the award from mayor Bobby Bourke alone, as his co-driver last year, Alex Premat, has had to remain overseas during the pandemic.
Cr Bourke was grateful for the opportunity to meet with McLaughlin.
"It was an honour being here. Scott McLaughlin is one of my favourite car drivers, because he drives a Ford, and to present him last year's winner's trophy gives me the opportunity as mayor of Bathurst to thank him," he said.
This week is the first time McLaughlin has been back in Bathurst since last year's race, and naturally it's a good time to reflect on the win while also looking ahead to the next few days.
"To roll in here as a previous winner now, I feel very relaxed and very comfortable with where I am in my racing career. It's a whole different feeling I've never had," he said.
He is also happy to come to the event with the championship wrapped up, so he can dedicate everything he's got to winning Bathurst.
"Now we can basically put all our eggs in one basket and on track for me I can maybe risk a little bit more on some qualifying laps and do a few things during the race, make a few moves, that maybe in a championship position I probably would not do and that's what I'm excited for," McLaughlin said.
