Scott McLaughlin Bio
Early Life and Background
Scott Thomas McLaughlin was born on June 10, 1993, in Christchurch, New Zealand. He moved to Hamilton with his family at the age of three and later relocated to the Gold Coast, Australia, at nine years old. Growing up, he attended Saint Stephen’s College, where he developed a passion for motorsports.
McLaughlin began his racing journey in 1999, starting with karting at the Kartsport Hamilton circuit. His early exposure to competitive racing set the foundation for his future career, as he won his first title in 2002. His family’s move to Australia allowed him to compete in various Australian titles while continuing to race in New Zealand.
Path to IndyCar Series
McLaughlin’s rise in motorsports began with the Britek Motorsport scholarship in 2008, which provided him with valuable experience in the V8 Supercar environment. He made his Supercars Championship debut in 2012, co-driving at the Sandown 500. In 2013, he became a full-time driver for Garry Rogers Motorsport, where he quickly made a name for himself by becoming the youngest driver to win a Supercars Championship race.
His impressive performances led to a move to DJR Team Penske in 2017, where he achieved significant success, including multiple pole positions and race wins. By 2020, McLaughlin transitioned to the IndyCar Series, making his debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Scott McLaughlin Career
Early Career (2012-2016)
McLaughlin’s early career was marked by his debut in the Supercars Championship in 2012, where he co-drove at the Sandown 500. He achieved notable success in the Dunlop V8 Supercar Series, winning the championship in 2012. His full-time career began with Garry Rogers Motorsport, where he recorded his first race victory in 2013, becoming the youngest driver to win a Supercars race.
He continued to develop his skills with Garry Rogers Motorsport and later with DJR Team Penske, where he finished runner-up in the championship in 2017, narrowly missing out on the title.
Supercars Championship Breakthrough (2017-2020)
In 2018, McLaughlin had a breakout season, winning seven races and securing the Supercars Championship title. He followed this with an even more dominant performance in 2019, where he set a record with eighteen wins in a single season, including his first Bathurst 1000 victory.
In 2020, McLaughlin continued his success, winning his third consecutive Supercars Championship title with thirteen wins, solidifying his status as one of the top drivers in the series before transitioning to IndyCar.
Team Penske Era (2021-Present)
McLaughlin joined Team Penske for the 2021 IndyCar season, where he faced the challenges of adapting to open-wheel racing. Despite a steep learning curve, he secured his first IndyCar win at the 2022 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and continued to perform well throughout the season, finishing fourth in the championship standings.
In 2023, he achieved his only win of the season at Barber Motorsports Park, finishing third in the overall standings. As of 2024, McLaughlin has shown resilience, rebounding from a rough start to secure multiple podium finishes and wins, including his first career win on an oval at Iowa.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
McLaughlin is known for his aggressive driving style and exceptional qualifying speed. His ability to adapt quickly to different racing conditions and formats has been a key factor in his success across multiple racing series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
McLaughlin’s notable achievements include three Supercars Championships and multiple race wins in both the Supercars Championship and IndyCar Series. His victory at the Bathurst 1000 and his rapid ascent in IndyCar highlight his talent and determination.
Scott McLaughlin Career Wins
Scott McLaughlin has achieved significant success in both the Supercars Championship and IndyCar Series, with a total of 56 wins in Supercars and 7 wins in IndyCar as of 2024.
Current IndyCar Series Highlights
In the IndyCar Series, McLaughlin has secured a total of 7 wins, with his first win coming at the 2022 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. His most recent win was at the Milwaukee Mile in 2024, showcasing his continued competitiveness in the series.
Previous Supercars Championship Achievements
During his time in the Supercars Championship, McLaughlin won 56 races and secured three championships from 2018 to 2020, establishing himself as one of the top drivers in the series.
Scott McLaughlin Family
Family Background and IndyCar Lineage
Scott McLaughlin is married to Karly Paone, a schoolteacher from Long Island. The couple met in 2016 and married in 2020. They welcomed their daughter, Lucy Violet, in October 2024.
Personal Life
McLaughlin and his family reside in North Carolina, USA, to be closer to Team Penske’s headquarters. He has two dogs and has developed an interest in American team sports since moving to the United States.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with challenges for McLaughlin, including a third-place finish at St. Petersburg that was later disqualified due to a rules violation by Team Penske. Despite a mechanical DNF at Long Beach, he rebounded with a win at Barber and qualified on pole for the Indianapolis 500, finishing sixth in the race. McLaughlin’s performance improved with podium finishes at Road America and Mid Ohio, and he secured his first career win on an oval at Iowa, placing him in contention for the championship as the season progressed.