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Garry Rogers Motorsport will run a thank you message to Scott McLaughlin on its #33 Volvo at the Coates Hire Sydney 500 as it bids farewell to the young star.
After four seasons at the Melbourne based squad, McLaughlin will depart the team in favour of a seat at DJR Team Penske in 2017.
Joining GRM as the reigning Dunlop Series winner in 2013, McLaughlin initially worked as a driver and apprentice fabricator for the squad.
He scored two race victories in his first year aboard the team’s Holdens before leading GRM through its current era with Volvo.
A message reading ‘Scotty, it’s been a great ride thanks from all of your friends at GRM’ has been applied to the front bar of McLaughlin’s S60 for Sydney.
“The Volvo era is something that’s changed my career,” McLaughlin told Speedcafe.com when asked about the strongest memories he’ll take from his time at GRM.
“The car has been fantastic from the outset.
“We’ve had some teething issues the last few years but overall it’s been very successful.
“Obviously people won’t forget that Adelaide race in particular (2014, scoring a podium on Volvo’s debut).
“It’s been a very happy time in my career and it is sad to be leaving.
“I’m excited about the future, but the only reason I’m in this position is the team I’ve had around me.”
McLaughlin has earned praise from the team with the way he has handled his impending exit, remaining focussed on trying to take third in the championship this weekend.
The 23-year-old currently sits fourth in the standings, just 21 points behind third placed Craig Lowndes who is equally determined to complete a trifecta for Triple Eight.
GRM is meanwhile adamant that it is not saying goodbye to its Volvo package this weekend, with legal action over its continued use next year ongoing.
The team will hold mediation talks with Volvo on December 13 in the hope of reaching an agreement before a scheduled court date in February.
