MOTORSPORT: McLaughlin for DJR?

Speculation is mounting in Supercars circles that the future of Volvo’s emerging superstar Scott McLaughlin could become clearer as early as next week.

The 23-year-old Kiwi is out of contract with Garry Rogers Motorsport at the end of this season.

He has been heavily linked for some time with DJR Team Penske, the Queensland-based operation owned by US motor racing icon Roger Penske in which Australian touring car legend Dick Johnson has a minority share.

McLaughlin is currently in north Queensland on promotional duties for the next round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, the Castrol Edge Townsville 400.

But motoring.com.au has learned he will be meeting with GRM management on Monday in Melbourne with his future driving arrangements firmly at the top of the agenda.

Speculation within Supercars circles suggests that meeting could be followed by an announcement about McLaughlin’s driving future as soon as next Tuesday.

However, when contacted by motoring.com.au DJR Team Penske managing director Ryan Story categorically rejected any plans for any announcement of the team’s future driving plans next week.

DJRTP this year signed Fabian Coulthard on long-term deal while up-and-comer Scott Pye was retained to the end of 2016.

Both McLaughlin and GRM refused to comment on their future plans when contacted by motoring.com.au.

If McLaughlin does move on from GRM it will be a big blow for the program.

McLaughlin has raced Holden Commodores and more recently Volvo S60s for GRM throughout his four-year career in the championship, claiming eight wins and 17 pole positions. He currently lies third in the drivers’ championship.

Speculation about McLaughlin’s future reached a crescendo in early May, around the time Volvo announced it was not renewing its factory support of GRM beyond 2016.

Subsequent to that GRM announced it was putting off contract talks with McLaughlin until October when driver negotiations are traditionally dealt with.

McLaughlin’s teammate at GRM is James Moffat, who is in the first year of a multi-year deal.

A possible new teammate for him next year could come from a list including GRM’s development series star James Golding as well as a number of established out-of-contract drivers.