Kiwi Scott McLaughlin has survived a scare to secure second place in Sunday's Supercars race in Darwin, extending his championship lead in the process.
The New Zealander's race at Hidden Valley looked to be compromised at the midway point of the 70-lap race, when smoke began to splutter out the back of his car.
McLaughlin was ordered to keep in fresh air, all but ending his challenge to eventual race winner David Reynolds, who dominated the race, after a daring first-corner move jumped the Holden driver from fourth to first.
McLaughlin managed to nurse his car home safely, staving off a late challenge from series champion Jamie Whincup.
Fellow Kiwi Shane Van Gisbergen charged home to fourth, after starting outside the top 10, but that result ensured a good weekend for McLaughlin with his lead over the 2016 champion now 161 points halfway through the season.
"Congratulations to Davey and Erebus, they did a great job," McLaughlin said post-race.
"It was pretty hot going – the engine was hot, I was hot and there was stuff going on everywhere. The car was really good, but I just couldn't get close to people, because of the heat in the engine.
"It was a solid day for us, so we will take that and run."
McLaughlin's DJR Penske teammate, Fabian Coulthard, finished eight, with fellow Kiwis Andre Heimgartner and Richie Stanaway coming home 16th and 19th respectively.
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