Supercars driver Scott McLaughlin had the ultimate 12-month zero-to-hero career trajectory, when he missed out on the 2017 Australian championship, before winning it a year later.
The Kiwi star is about to embark on a three-day promotional tour for his book, Road to Redemption: A Championship Journey.
As part of the tour, McLaughlin (25) will complete a few laps around Highlands Motorsport Park in a Ferrari. The public can head along to the Cromwell track next Sunday from 9.30am to see the current Supercars championship leader in action.
Due to his busy race calendar, McLaughlin hasn’t driven the Highlands circuit.
‘‘I’m just pumped to see all the famous corners that everyone has talked about. Especially going over the bridge, where I have seen a lot of cars airborne over the years. Although I highly doubt I’ll be getting anything airborne,’’ he said.
McLaughlin was initially sceptical about sharing the story of how he squandered a 78-point series lead heading into the final race of the 2017 Supercars season, but was talked around by friend and journalist Tim Hodges, who suggested it was worthy of a book.
‘‘He was really excited about it, although I was a little sceptical as I didn’t really want to talk about Newcastle 2017, which was the hardest time of my life,’’ McLaughlin said.
After agreeing to share his story, McLaughlin kept a diary during the 2018 season which provided the basis for Road to Redemption.
The book features contributions from team owner Roger Penske, McLaughlin’s motorsport idol Greg Murphy, AFL player and close friend Jack Riewoldt and the woman he credits with helping make his championship dream a reality, mindfulness coach Emma Murray.
Seeing his name on a book cover rather than on racing silverware conjured feelings of pride for the Gold Coast-based driver, who is originally from Christchurch.
‘‘It is very different, but a proud moment. It’s nice to share the experience . . . It [the season] was full of ups and downs and I think even people outside of motorsport would enjoy it.’’
Road to Redemption was released in Australia, but getting it released here had proved difficult until Highlands’ chief operating officer Josie Spillane stepped in.
‘‘A mutual friend was visiting Highlands a couple of months ago and mentioned that Scott was keen to get his book into New Zealand. Given the success that I’d had with [Highlands owner] Tony Quinn’s book and the nationwide tour we put together, I suggested I might be able to help. Next thing, I have an email introducing me to Scott and Tim and the rest is, as they say, history,’’ Ms Spillane said.
- by Catherine Pattison
Photo: Supplied
