MCLAUGHLIN: I CAN WIN THE INDY 500
Kiwi IndyCar Series driver Scott McLaughlin believes he can win the Indianapolis 500 from 26th on the grid.
The three-time Supercars champion finished 20th in his first crack at the crown jewel of Indycar racing last year, however he has shown considerable improvement in the open wheel category in his sophomore 2022 season.
McLaughlin currently sits third in the standings with a race win under his belt and is confident in his preparation for the 2022 Indy 500 despite qualifying towards the rear of the field.
“I definitely think we can win it,” McLaughlin said.
“I feel like we’re in a really good spot in terms of my race car and we’ve had a really good run through the practices.
“I’ve been one of the few cars that can move through the pack when we’re deep in the pack, so I feel pretty comfortable there.
“It’s going to take a lot of smarts, being smart with where you put the car and the risks you take, the risks you take that move you forward at the start depending on how aggressive you are.”
Looking to the past for inspiration, McLaughlin explained that Simon Pagenaud’s P26 to third drive last year fills him with confidence.
“Simon Pagenaud started 26th last year and he was third two cars behind by the end, real close.
“A couple more laps and he could have won it, he had a car fast enough to win.
“I’m very comfortable with how I’m feeling, and I’ve got a very similar style to Simon, I feel like that can certainly help me come through the field.
“I have full faith that we can do that. It’s going to take no mistakes, but I believe we can do it.”
The 2021 Indy 500 was a baptism of fire for McLaughlin, who was battling for ‘Rookie of the Year’ honours rather than race victories.
A bumper crowd is expected this year for what the 28-year-old describes as a ‘normal Indy 500’, and the Team Penske Chevrolet driver is feeling far better equipped this time around.
“I’m definitely a lot calmer now. I feel a lot more at ease, I feel a lot more like I belong here and certainly understand the race a lot more and what it’s all about,” McLaughlin said.
“I know it sounds so simple, but I didn’t really realise how long the stints go and how much the car changes in those stints and then how much the car changes when you’re coming into pitlane.
“Those experiences were slightly bad for me last year but are going to be really big for me moving forward.
“Everything that I’ve learned since that race, even at other tracks has really helped me.”
Final preparations for the 2022 Indy 500 will take place this week before the 106th running of the iconic race next Monday morning, May 30.
You can watch all the Indy 500 action live and ad-free on Stan Sport.
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