Scott McLaughlin, celebrated IndyCar driver, took to social media to honor a racing icon, Dick Johnson, who recently marked his 80th birthday on April 26. Johnson, a five-time Australian Touring Car Champion, has left an indelible mark on motorsports with significant accomplishments, including three victories in the prestigious Bathurst 1000. Expressing genuine admiration, McLaughlin fondly recalled his experience driving car #17 for Dick Johnson Racing.
Having entered the touring car scene in 1977, Johnson’s influence extends beyond the track. He established Dick Johnson Racing in 1981, nurturing talent from across Australia and beyond. Scott McLaughlin himself benefitted greatly from Johnson’s team during his tenure from 2017 to 2020. The Johnson family’s unwavering support of McLaughlin’s career has been pivotal, cementing a bond between the two racing icons.
Progress in IndyCar Series
In the NTT IndyCar Series Championship standing, Scott McLaughlin securely holds the eighth position, amassing 69 points following the third round at Long Beach. With a keen focus on the upcoming challenges, McLaughlin participated in the recent two-day testing session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway alongside 33 other drivers. The testing session was aimed at preparing for the forthcoming Indy 500, scheduled for May 25, a highlight of the racing calendar.
During the Fast Friday qualifying simulations, McLaughlin, renowned for his precision and skill on the track, excelled by clocking the quickest lap of the session, demonstrating his prowess as last year’s Indianapolis 500 pole-sitter. His #3 Chevrolet benefited from conditions that closely resembled those expected for race day, a strategic advantage he acknowledged.
McLaughlin’s fastest lap was an impressive 232.686 mph, outpacing rival Takuma Sato’s time by a narrow margin. The Kiwi driver’s performance not only sets a promising outlook for his campaign in the Indy 500 but also underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence.
The anticipation continues to build as the IndyCar community eagerly awaits the developments in this thrilling series. Enthusiasts can look forward to the race on May 25, as Scott McLaughlin, with his distinctive talent and dedication, gears up to leave his mark at the Indy 500 once again.
