McLaughlin ‘walking into the unknown’ with Penske

The young Kiwi’s off-season switch from the Garry Rogers Motorsport squad to emerging powerhouse DJR Team Penske is his first major team change since he’s been a full-time, top-tier Supercars driver.

After four years at GRM, he is now in the midst of his first pre-season with a different team. That experience, he says, has given him a new sense of enthusiasm.

“For me, it’s exciting walking into the unknown, driving a different car for the first time in four years,” McLaughlin told Motorsport.com.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and doing something different with my life.

“It’s quite a fresh feeling. I’m probably feeling better than ever. I’m really excited for the year, and that’s a good feeling.”

No doubts over decision

Having agonised over whether to leave GRM or not last season, McLaughlin added that he’s now 100 per cent comfortable with the decision he ultimately made.

“I knew when I made the decision that it was the right one, right for my career moving forward, and right for the immediate future too,” he said.

“I’m excited. I’ve walked into the team and felt 100 per cent comfortable, straight away. I’ve been there for the last month and a half, just chilling out. I feel at home every time I walk in the shop, and I know everyone’s name now.

“Time will tell with the car, but I think we’ve got all the ingredients there to have a good 2017 season, and future seasons.”

Fan reaction a surprise

While switching manufacturers can be a controversial move for Supercars, fan favourite McLaughlin reckons he was surprised with his positive the reaction from his followers has been since the news of his impending switch broke last year.

However, he did admit that he ‘copped a bit of stick’ from a few of his fans as well.

“I was surprised. I think a lot of the fans understood my decision, and what was going on with Volvo,” explained McLaughlin.

“Obviously I got some stick, there was some negative stuff, but you’ve just got to cop that.

“I love the interaction, and the fans are the backbone of the sport so it’s important to have them on your side. That’s why we love the sport, it’s that passion. And that’s why sometimes you cop some stick!”

Ready to ‘drive the wheels off’

Despite his Penske switch attracting a lot of media attention, and the team being touted as the most likely to be able to topple the mighty Triple Eight squad, McLaughlin says he’s not feeling any additional pressure heading into the ’17 season.

“I’m excited, I’m pumped about it. The thing is, nobody puts more pressure on me than myself. I get angry with myself if I make mistakes.

“I’ve been employed because the team believes I can do the job, and I believe that too.

“I’ll just go out there and drive the bloody wheels off it, and we’ll see how we go!”