Penske Racing president Jonathan Diguid has revealed that New Zealand driver Scott McLaughlin is under consideration for a coveted seat with Porsche Penske Motorsport at the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Though McLaughlin competes for Team Penske in IndyCar, he has yet to race for the Roger Penske-owned IMSA squad, making this opportunity a potential new chapter in his career.
McLaughlin’s experience at Daytona stretches back to three appearances, twice racing in the LMP2 class for Tower Motorsports in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, he shifted to Trackhouse Racing, which entered IMSA competition at the prestigious Rolex 24 in the GTD Pro category. He also claimed a class victory in the 2023 12 Hours of Sebring with Tower Motorsports, showcasing his endurance racing prowess. These performances have caught the attention of Porsche Penske, which is assessing drivers to join its 2026 lineup at Daytona.
Jonathan Diguid Discusses McLaughlin’s Prospects With Porsche Penske
In an interview with Sportscar365, Jonathan Diguid highlighted McLaughlin’s adaptability and eagerness to step up to the LMDh prototype level with Porsche Penske. He emphasized the New Zealander’s rapid acclimation to the Porsche Penske GTP car and the team’s interest in flexible driver lineups for endurance events.
“I think if you ask Scotty, he’d say he’d show up with his helmet and driving suit wherever he’s told to be. He had a good time, and he performed quite well at Sebring, which isn’t the easiest track to get to know. His feedback was that the LMDh car drives a lot closer to a V8 Supercar than it does to an IndyCar, so he was quite comfortable right away,” Jonathan Diguid, Penske Racing president
“We ran four-driver lineups in Daytona in 2024 when we won that race with Josef. It’s something we’re definitely looking at, but we haven’t made any decisions yet,” Jonathan Diguid, Penske Racing president
Diguid took over as Penske Racing president following internal changes after Team Penske’s recent Indy 500 controversy that led to the dismissal of several senior executives, including Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski. His leadership marks a renewed focus on assembling strong, adaptable racing lineups across disciplines.
Scott McLaughlin’s IMSA Experience and Recent Performances
Since transitioning from Supercars to IndyCar, McLaughlin has enjoyed longer offseasons, allowing him to pursue diverse motorsport opportunities. The IndyCar calendar’s March to late summer schedule provides about six months of downtime, which McLaughlin has used to gain valuable IMSA experience.
In 2023, he raced three IMSA events with Tower Motorsports: the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Petit Le Mans post-season race. The following year, he focused solely on Daytona and continued this selective approach into 2025. In February 2025, Porsche Penske tested McLaughlin at Sebring International Raceway in an IMSA-sanctioned session, allowing him to familiarize himself with the GTP car that competes for overall victories in endurance events.
“I have driven the GTP car now, which is a good thing, but everyone keeps their cards close to their chest in their regard. I have no idea. Right now, I am just trying to speak with GM and figure out if I can at least get a ride in a Corvette, and if Roger [Penske] wants me, then that’s up to him,” Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
“I’d love to try the race overall. It would be really cool. But Porsche already have some amazing drivers, and it depends if there’s a spot. If there is a spot there, I’d grab it with both hands,” Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
McLaughlin’s recent highlight includes a podium finish at the Suzuka 1000 km, part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, where he drove the #2 Johor Motorsports JMR Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3 R. His performances continue to attract attention from top endurance racing outfits.
Team Penske’s Daytona Success and What McLaughlin’s Inclusion Could Mean
Porsche Penske claimed overall victories at the 2024 and 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, asserting dominance in endurance racing’s marquee event. Josef Newgarden, McLaughlin’s teammate in IndyCar, was among the winning drivers in 2024 alongside Felipe Nasr, Matt Campbell, and Dane Cameron. This pedigree enhances the potential value McLaughlin could bring to the team, combining his diverse motorsport background with his adaptability to different car platforms.
If McLaughlin secures a spot with Porsche Penske for the 2026 Rolex 24, it would mark his first appearance with the Roger Penske IMSA team, solidifying his emergence as a versatile and sought-after endurance racer. With McLaughlin’s known determination and enthusiasm, aligning him with the successful Porsche Penske program promises an exciting prospect for both the driver and the team ahead of the next Daytona 24.
