Supercars 2018: Scott McLaughlin conquers title for Gold Coast 600

McLaughlin, who was heading to the Gold Coast 600 a year ago, said he was beginning to feel the pressure of the title race.

But the 25-year-old Ford driver is categorical: he knows what it takes to win the title he should have won last year.

McLaughlin is battling championship leader Shane van Gisbergen for the V8 title.

Last year it was van Gisbergen's Red Bull. team-mate Jamie Whincup who has been slow to tear the title after an error McLaughlin cost him the victory at Newcastle 500 that ended the season.

But after clinching his first podium finish at the Bathurst 1000 this month, McLaughlin narrowed Van Gisbergen's lead to just 19 points and three innings, and added solid determination to his run.

"I learned a few lessons last year," said McLaughlin. "Things did not work out very well last year and I know a lot of things can happen by the end of the year.

"I'm going to keep my head down this year. I remember being a little nervous at the same time last year and I'm much more relaxed this time around. I leave things in my head last year and it will not happen this year.

"I am more mature and calmer. I know what it takes. ''

Teammate Alex Premat, McLaughlin and Shell V-Power, was third behind Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards at Mount Panorama but, more importantly in the title race, he finished two places higher than van Gisbergen.

"It was a fantastic run for the championship," said McLaughlin.

"Going on a track where we have not been so good and closing the gap on Shane is really great.

"But it was a strange feeling because I had dreamed of getting on the Bathurst podium all my life and to get there I felt like I wanted more. I did not feel good on the podium because I wanted to win.

"It's selfish enough, but I left Bathurst to get more. A few days later, I thought I should have been happy because I was on the podium in Bathurst for the first time. I wanted it for a long time, but not winning, it's as if you really did not do anything.

"It's still an unfinished business."

With Bathurst on By the way, McLaughlin now has his eyes on winning the Supercars championship, resuming today with 600 Gold Coast coaches.

The championship will continue with the Auckland round before moving to the season finale in Newcastle in November.

"The focus is now on the championship," said McLaughlin.

"And it's really important for us to continue our load. I think we were there even though we were not the fastest car. We have reduced the number of points and that's what you need to do. "

McLaughlin is expecting a fierce fight on the Gold Coast with the Ford driver who plans Tickford Racing and Erebus will join Red Bull and Penske in the 600-kilometer street fight.