It wouldn’t be a night out in Newcastle without a stopover at King Street McDonalds and newly crowned Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin didn’t disappoint post racing on Sunday.
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After spraying champagne by the foreshore and partying on at The Kingstown Bar in NEX, McLaughlin and the highly sought-after trophy made a detour to the drive-thru hunting for chicken McNuggets.
The Kiwi driver was still riding the high of a breakthrough title at Honeysuckle on Monday morning, following a heartbreaking loss 12 months ago at the same season-ending Newcastle 500.
“It [celebrating] was amazing, I think it was just the relief for everyone,” McLaughlin said.
“We certainly had a couple of sherberts [drinks] here and there. And the trophy was filled up with beer and spirits and chicken McNuggets.
“You can actually fit 40 McNuggets in the trophy, which is quite interesting. That’s a fun fact everyone.
“I had an amazing night. There were some very cool speeches. It was a very emotional night.”
After having a “love-hate relationship” with Newcastle during the first two Supercars events in the city, McLaughlin hopes to return for next year’s third and defend his title on the street circuit.
“We want to be in a position to be chasing it [the championship again], as everyone does,” he said.
“I personally believe, if we have a good enough year in regards to our consistency like we have this year and keep our head, we’re a good chance to come back here [to Newcastle] and be in the same position.”
Adding to the emotional roller coaster for the 25-year-old Ford frontman was dedicating his maiden victory to his late grandmother.
“Gran passed away a couple of years ago and we were very close,” he said.
“She was my biggest fan and we promised each other that we would do this.
“She was a massive attention seeker and I always said I would thank you in my speech. And I did so I hope she was all happy.”
One punter walking along Newcastle Harbour on Monday morning called out “McLaughlin for PM”.
“That’s way above my pay grade,” he said.
Next year’s Newcastle 500 has been scheduled for November 22-24.
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Read more about the Newcastle 500:
- Supercars announces 162,000 crowd as Scott McLaughlin wins first championship
- Supercars weekend was a hit and miss experience for Newcastle's businesses
- ‘Underground secret’: Trackside venue riding the waves of Supercars
- Watch: Supercars roll into Newcastle ready for weekend of racing
- ‘Mini-Monaco’: Newcastle Harbour to be lined with boats during Supercars
