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MCLAUGHLIN TARGETS QUALIFYING GAINS

Scott McLaughlin targets qualifying gains - Image: Motorsport Images

By Dan McCarthy

New Zealander Scott McLaughlin is targeting consistent top 10 starting positions in his second season in America’s IndyCar Series.

The former Supercars champion performed strongly on ovals last year finishing second in just his third IndyCar race and backed it up with a fourth-place finish later in the year.

McLaughlin is confident he also has the race pace on the road and street courses, however is being hampered by a lack of qualifying pace.

Qualifying is his main focus in 2022, with improved qualifying he is confident of fighting up the front.

“I guess a good goal for me is that I’d love to qualify in the Top 10 in every race. I have no doubt my race results will get better if I can qualify better,” says McLaughlin in a press conference which included AUTO ACTION.

“I think it’s just building on what I learned. Having a year under my belt now, I feel really comfortable. I think we can start pushing for some awesome results.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I can consistently be there. I still think there were certain races last year that I could have won. That’s what IndyCar is like.”

In the latest edition of AUTO ACTION, we preview the upcoming IndyCar season that is set to commence on the streets of St Petersburg this weekend.

McLaughlin talks about his IndyCar Series aspirations and targets for the year ahead with Team Penske.

We look at who can stop Alex Palou, will it be one of the youngsters Pato O’Ward or Colton Herta, or one of the more experienced drivers Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi or our Aussie Will Power.

We delve into the details and explain what many of Palou’s title rivals must improve to beat the unflappable Spaniard in 2022.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action.