Scott McLaughlin Photo credit: V8 Supercars Media
Tekno Autosports has announced 18 year-old Scott McLaughlin will co-drive alongside Jonathon Webb in this year's V8 Supercars endurance races at Sandown and Bathurst.
McLaughlin, the youngest ever V8 Supercars Development Series race winner, will partner Webb in the #19 Tekno Autosports Holden Commodore VE in what will be the young Gold Coaster's V8 endurance debut.
Tekno Autosports Team Manager Bruce Jenkins is thrilled with the appointment.
“I’ve been keeping a close eye on Scott for a couple years now and think he is a genuine star of the future,” he said.
“His results to date, particularly at such a young age speak for themselves and he brings excitement and enthusiasm to the team which is what we are about.
“We have undergone some exciting changes in the last 12 months and we’ve set high expectations for ourselves in 2012. Our move to a two car Holden team is evidence of this and I have no doubt that Scott will play an integral role in how we place in the enduros this season.”
McLaughlin, who revealed talks with Jenkins have been ongoing for some time is delighted to be joining up with the team.
“In early 2009 Bruce engineered me in Western Australia when I was competing in a handful of Formula Ford events in order to close out my CAMS license,” said McLaughlin.
“When he arrived to head up Tekno last year we started talking again, then earlier this year Bruce and I met for bit of a chat and we’ve been exploring the co-driving role ever since.
“In addition to the planned expansion to two cars, when it became clear that it was alongside Webby, I jumped at the chance to partner him.
“The whole Tekno team are currently working through a big program of change and it’s exciting to think I will be driving alongside a former V8 Supercar race-winner – and also in a Triple Eight-built Commodore.
“Webby and I are a similar size, which is important, and the team are going to give me every chance to get right up to speed during the year – I couldn’t be happier and can’t wait to have my first run.”
McLaughlin will again compete in the Development Series this year with the backing of Fujitsu Racing, after finishing fourth in 2011 with Stone Brothers Racing. He will also drive a Supercheap Auto-backed Commodore in the inaugural New Zealand V8SuperTourers championship.
