McLaughlin eyeing IndyCar title and first oval win

As he prepares for his fourth IndyCar season following his best yet, Scott McLaughlin has high ambitions for 2024.

The Kiwi superstar is fresh from his best championship finish last year where he was not only third in the points, but also the highest placed Team Penske driver.

Whilst he only recorded one win in Alabama, McLaughlin enjoyed his most consistent season with three other podiums and a streak of 11 straight top 10 finishes to close out the year from Detroit to Laguna Seca.

After beating former IndyCar champion teammates Will Power and Josef Newgarden in the points last year, McLaughlin now has his eyes firmly locked on challenging for the coveted IndyCar title.

Scott McLaughlin leads Team Penske teammate Will Power at Laguna Seca. Photo by Phillip Abbott / LAT Images

“I think ever since I won my first race, I knew that every year after that I’m going to have a legitimate shot (at the championship) knowing that the tools I have at hand and where I am in my development as an IndyCar driver,” the three-time Supercars champion said.

“I never come out and say I’m going to win the championship. I don’t. 

“I feel like I’m in the best possible spot I’ve ever been for a long time, but even probably better than last year.

“But it’s the same for everyone. It’s just a matter of doing your talking on the track. I feel comfortable. 

“I think we can certainly do that — with the championship side.

“We can have a really good run and put ourselves in position to hopefully finish off the year in a position where we are in contention for the championship.”

Scott McLaughlin preparing for the Indianapolis 500. Photo by Brett Farmer / LAT Images

McLaughlin also stated a first oval win is a major ambition of his with each of his previous wins all arriving on road and street courses.

His maiden success was the unforgettable 2022 season opener on the streets of Saint Petersburg, while he backed that up with further wins at the Mid Ohio and Portland road courses.

The Kiwi’s only win of 2023 arrived at the twisty Barber Motorsport Park.

On the ovals McLaughlin has collected three podiums, including his first runner-up finish at Texas in 2021, while his best finish at the iconic Indianapolis 500 is 14th.

McLaughlin hopes the high level of comfort he enjoys in the Chevrolet powered Penske car can push him to the breakthrough win.

“I guess the first oval win is the next thing for me, to finish off everything,” he said. 

Scott McLaughlin racing hard on an oval. Image: Motorsport Images

“But I think from a comfort, pace, feeling perspective, I feel really at home. 

“I certainly don’t feel like the new kid anymore, and I feel more like an open wheel driver than a touring car driver now.”

The 2024 IndyCar season begins on the streets of St Petersburg on March 10.

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