Scott McLaughlin embarked on a mission to further improve his performance. The 108th Indianapolis 500 will see McLaughlin start from the pole position and he will need to use all 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 the Australian Supercars and five wins in his three-year journey in the IndyCar.
Despite his achievements, the 30-year-old is determined to seek guidance from past champions. 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 either February or January, and since then they have been analyzing various aspects together.
However, McLaughlin emphasizes that Pagenaud’s main loyalty remains with Team Penske. He adds: « He won the 500 for us and ultimately, we want nothing but his well-being. This collaboration gives me the opportunity to work with him and potentially reintroduce him to the race, restoring his prominence. »
Pagenaud has been away from the tracks since a dramatic accident at Mid-Ohio last July. After a brake failure, he rolled several times through the gravel trap, 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 before the upcoming race.
McLaughlin apprécie l’aide de Pagenaud, affirmant : « Il est une personne véritablement gentille. Nous avons toujours eu une bonne relation chez Penske et il a été d’une grande aide. J’ai mis en place plusieurs idées précieuses cette semaine et notre excellente vitesse en voiture l’a rendu encore plus avantageux. Compter sur lui a été une expérience positive. »
De plus, McLaughlin entretient une relation continue avec Rick Mears, quadruple vainqueur de l’Indy 500, qui agit comme mentor depuis l’arrivée du Néo-Zélandais en IndyCar en 2021. Mears, consultant chez Team Penske, reconnaît depuis longtemps les talents de McLaughlin.
Cette année, McLaughlin présentera une fois de plus la peinture emblématique ‘Yellow Submarine’ de Pennzoil de Mears. De plus, il portera une combinaison de course en réplique reproduisant le design utilisé par le triple champion lors de sa victorieuse campagne à l’Indy 500 en 1984.
Avec le soutien continu de Mears, la nouvelle perspective de Pagenaud et la multitude de ressources disponibles grâce à Team Penske, McLaughlin aspire à sortir du week-end en tant que champion de l’Indy 500 par ses propres mérites.
