Scott McLaughlin's sixth win of the Supercars season has cemented him as the man to beat in this year's championship after a superb drive in Darwin.
Scott McLaughlin Photo: Photosport
The championship leader was unable to convert two poles into wins last round at Winton but starting second on the grid on Saturday at Hidden Valley Raceway suited the Ford ace better.
McLaughlin edged out Red Bull Holden rival Shane van Gisbergen by just half a second for his 22nd career win.
Erebus Motorsport's David Reynolds blitzed qualifying in hot conditions at the Northern Territory circuit to take pole but could manage only third behind the series leaders.
McLaughlin pitted early in the 42-lap affair and it paid off as Reynolds waited until halfway through the race.
It was McLaughlin's second win at the Darwin circuit, backing up last year's race-two triumph.
The New Zealand ace has extended his championship lead to 143 points over van Gisbergen, while Reynolds has overtaken Craig Lowndes to be third overall.
"I'm glad I didn't have one of those heart rate sensors on TV. I would've blown the bloody thing up!" McLaughlin said.
"We all know Shane's a hard charger and I respect him like no other, and it's certainly great for me to hold him off and great for the team."
McLaughlin will be eager to become the first man to take out the elusive Triple Crown, which has been untouched since being introduced for the Darwin round in 2006.
He will have to win the top-10 qualifying shootout, along with Sunday's second 70-lap race, to add it to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.
-AAP
