Scott McLaughlin embarks on a mission to further enhance his performance. The 108th Indianapolis 500 will see McLaughlin start from the pole position and he will need to utilize all of his skills to maintain his position at the forefront of this crucial event.
McLaughlin has a myriad of skills acquired throughout his career, including three championships in Australian Supercars and five victories in his three-year journey in IndyCar.
Despite his accomplishments, the 30-year-old is determined to seek guidance from champions of the past. One of his sources of advice is the winner of the 2019 Indy 500, Simon Pagenaud. Although McLaughlin’s collaboration with Pagenaud was initially kept secret, it was confirmed when Pagenaud was seen in the Team Penske pit box.
McLaughlin expressed his admiration for Pagenaud, stating: “[Pagenaud] is a highly observant person who takes meticulous notes, and we have been exchanging insights throughout the week.” McLaughlin approached Pagenaud in February or January, and since then they have been analyzing various aspects together.
However, McLaughlin emphasizes that Pagenaud’s primary loyalty remains with Team Penske. He adds: “He won the 500 for us and ultimately, we want nothing but his well-being. This collaboration provides me with the opportunity to work with him and potentially reintroduce him to the race, reestablishing his prominence.”
Pagenaud has been away from the tracks since a dramatic accident at Mid-Ohio last July. After a brake failure, he rolled multiple times through the gravel, resulting in concussion symptoms. This week marked his return to a race track for the first time since the accident, where he offered more detailed advice to McLaughlin ahead of the upcoming race.
McLaughlin appreciates Pagenaud’s help, stating: “He is a genuinely kind person. We have always had a good relationship at Penske and he has been tremendously helpful. I have implemented several valuable ideas this week and our excellent car speed has made it even more advantageous. Counting on him has been a positive experience.”
Furthermore, McLaughlin maintains an ongoing relationship with Rick Mears, a four-time winner of the Indy 500, who has served as a mentor since the New Zealander joined IndyCar in 2021. Mears, who acts as a consultant for Team Penske, has long recognized McLaughlin’s talents.
This year, McLaughlin will once again showcase the iconic ‘Yellow Submarine’ paint scheme from Mears’ Pennzoil. Additionally, he will wear a replica racing suit that reproduces the design used by the three-time champion during his victorious campaign at the 1984 Indy 500.
With Mears’ ongoing support, Pagenaud’s new perspective, and the multitude of resources available through Team Penske, McLaughlin aspires to emerge from the weekend as an Indy 500 champion on his own merit.
