Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin says “it’s looking really, really good” for a return to the Bathurst 1000 this year.
The 28-year-old, who won the race with Alex Premat in 2019, missed last year’s race after travel restrictions made it impossible for him to return from the United States, where he now races in the IndyCar series for Penske.
This year’s IndyCar series is scheduled to finish in early September, with the Bathurst 1000 set down for October 9, a return to its traditional date after COVID-19 forced a move to December last year.
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McLaughlin flagged a return with Dick Johnson Racing, the team that helped him to three championships and a Bathurst 1000 win.
“I mean, so far, so good,” said McLaughlin.
“It seems we can get over there straight after my season. The dates line up and everything works out good.
“So pending everything is open in my calendar in terms of testing, all that sort of stuff, which obviously comes first here, like I’ve said all the time, I’m always going to put [IndyCar first] here.
“But at the end of the day, if I can do it, I will do it, and I’ve got a chance to do it with DJR. I’ll be there if I can and at the moment it’s looking really, really good.”
McLauglin’s second IndyCar season gets underway next weekend at the St Petersburg street circuit in Florida, with the New Zealander aiming to build on a successful 2021, that saw him take home Rookie of the Year honours.
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“It’s hard to set goals in this place because it’s so competitive and things can change in an instant,” he said.
“I’d love to qualify in the top-10 every race. It would put me in a good spot every Sunday, it can certainly help my race strategy.
“I have no doubt my race results will get better if I qualify better, and I know I can do that. I had plenty of poles in Australia. It’s just a matter of figuring out what I want from the car.”
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