Scott McLaughlin says his foreseeable future is in Supercars but remains open to opportunities to race in the US should they arise in the years to come.
McLaughlin has long held a desire to race in the States following the accomplishment of his goals in Supercars, prompting talk that he could make the move at the end of this year or in 2021.
A new deal to contest the 2020 Supercar season has put paid to a move for at least another year with McLaughlin admitting that he is happy to stay in Australia until an opportunity with Team Penske presents itself.
“At this point in time, they’ve (Team Penske) just told me to do what I can in Supercars and hopefully opportunities will follow,” McLaughlin told Speedcafe.com.
“But seriously, for the foreseeable future, I’m in Supercars until they change anything and I’m happy where I am but obviously I’m open to other things and if the opportunity happens, it happens; if not, I’ll be here to annoy you a bit longer.”
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In keeping with the team’s protocol, DJR Team Penske has elected not to confirm the length of McLaughlin’s new deal.
When pressed as to how long he would stay racing in Australia, he added: “For the foreseeable future.”
Claiming a so far elusive Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 win remains a key goal to tick off before considering a move away from Supercars.
He also reiterated that his love for competing in Supercars remains strong and is happy to stay in the championship.
“I’ve always said that as well but I’ve got to win that and it’s the toughest race to win,” he added.
“I’ve always said it, the goals for me have always been Bathurst and the championship; I’ve won the championship, that’s one ticked, and then the Bathurst.
“I have amazing respect for what Jamie’s (Whincup) done and what he’s achieved in the sport but I feel like I just would like to challenge myself if I ever had the chance of wrapping those two up.
“But also, at the same time, this is one of the best categories in the world, it’s a tough thing to even think about worrying about the future anywhere else because it’s actually a bloody good future here.
“Like I said, if I keep doing the job here, opportunities might happen but also I might not want to do that, I might want to stay here, so there’s a lot of speculation and that, but I’m pretty happy with the job here.”
McLaughlin, who holds a 319 point lead in the championship, will continue his Supercars title defence when this weekend’s Watpac Townsville 400 begins today.
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