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Scott McLaughlin is refusing to get carried away by his surge to the championship lead following a dominant victory at the Watpac Townsville 400.
The DJR Team Penske driver has leapt to the top of the standings for the first time as he took advantage of a incident involving his team-mate and former series leader Fabian Coulthard.
McLaughlin turned a 10 point deficit into an 18 point lead over Jamie Whincup, who has slotted into second, while Coulthard dropped to third, after salvaging 11th having being turned around at Turn 2 on the opening lap.
While the season is entering into its second half, McLaughlin says moving to top of the standings won’t alter the way he approaches the upcoming races.
The victory arrived after a stellar qualifying display that saw him take pole position by two tenths from the Red Bull Holden of Whincup.
“It’s cool. I wish it was November but at the end of the day it’s one of those things that I’ve never led it in my life, so it’s a pretty cool moment I guess,” said McLaughlin.
“There is a long way to go. We’re going to say the same stuff but there’s lots of races to be done but I’m excited because its’ a good place to be.
“We were in a lot worse position earlier this year so it’s nice to come back and be at the top.
“It’s just each race as it comes until after the enduros and then we’ll re-evaluate until after that. There’s a lot of races yet to come.
“We’re in a good position and we’ll just take the advantage when we have it.”
The Supercars field will return to the Red Park Circuit on Sunday for a another 200km heat.
