Scott McLaughlin, driving for Team Penske, earned second place in qualifying at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix held at Barber Motorsports Park on May 3. He will start the race alongside the defending IndyCar series champion, Alex Palou, who claimed the pole position with a slightly quicker lap time. The 31-year-old Kiwi driver recorded a lap of 1:07.4387 seconds, edging out his teammates and demonstrating strong pace despite narrowly missing the top spot.
After qualifying, McLaughlin shared his thoughts with Speedway Digest about the intense competition. Although disappointed not to secure pole, he acknowledged the high level of performance required to challenge Palou. This contrast sets the stage for an exciting race, highlighting McLaughlin’s determination to convert his front-row start into a meaningful result.
Last year at Barber Motorsports Park, Scott McLaughlin showcased his skill by winning the 2024 Grand Prix, dominating the event by leading 58 of 90 laps in his Chevrolet-powered #3 Team Penske car. That victory marked his second career win at the circuit, following his maiden triumph in 2023. Now, approaching the May 4 race, he aims for a third straight win, underscoring his mastery of the challenging 17-turn road course.
In a recent Team Penske video shared on their X account, McLaughlin reflected on what defines a perfect lap at Barber Motorsports Park. When asked to describe it in one word, he simply said “flow.” He elaborated by explaining that flow is about hitting every corner with consistency and rhythm, capturing the delicate balance required to maximize speed without compromising control. This insight gives fans a deeper understanding of his racing mindset and the precision needed on such a technical track.
The 2025 season has seen Scott McLaughlin build momentum with a pole position start at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix on March 2, where he finished fourth, and a solid qualifying and race performance at the ACURA Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, placing sixth in both sessions. These results indicate that McLaughlin is poised to contend for victories and remains a strong championship contender.
As the season progresses, Scott McLaughlin’s qualifying performance at Barber Motorsports Park not only reflects his continued growth but also increases anticipation for how he will challenge Alex Palou and other top drivers. Fans can look forward to an enthralling race, where McLaughlin’s skill and experience could well lead to another win and further success in the IndyCar series.
