Supercars: Scott McLaughlin leads Shell V-Power Racing 1-2 in Tasmania opener

James Pavey

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Scott McLaughlin has claimed his sixth race win of the season on Saturday at Symmons Plains.

McLaughlin beat polesitter Mark Winterbottom off the start and was never headed in the 50-lapper.

The reigning series champion led home Fabian Coulthard in a Shell V-Power Racing 1-2, with Shane van Gisbergen home in third.

Van Gisbergen pipped Winterbottom for the final podium spot on the penultimate lap when the latter was held up by wildcard entry Jack Smith.

It was a horror day for Jamie Whincup, who finished 25th and last, some two laps off the pace.

After starting 15th following a spin in qualifying, Whincup was forced into the pits after he hit Chaz Mostert at turn six early in the race.

Saturday in Tasmania is going from bad to worse for Whincup.#VASC pic.twitter.com/3XEQTENAUE
— Supercars (@supercars) April 6, 2019

Mostert finished in 10th and moved into second behind McLaughlin in the championship standings, albeit 135 points in arrears.

James Courtney finished a strong fifth ahead of David Reynolds, with Tim Slade, Nick Percat, Anton De Pasquale and Mostert rounding out the top 10.