Ford driver Scott McLaughlin has secured the 2019 Supercars championship despite a pre-race penalty at the Sandown 500 for an engine rule breach at last month’s Bathurst 1000.

Forced to start Sunday’s 161-lap race from the rear of the grid due to the breach, McLaughlin and co-driver Alex Premat have finished ninth, with Jamie Whincup and co-driver Craig Lowndes winning the race.

That result ensures the DJR Team Penske star has an unassailable championship lead heading into the season finale later this month in Newcastle.