Scott McLaughlin is preparing for Indianapolis 500 victory with an intense focus and determination, driven by guidance from former champion Simon Pagenaud. His efforts to master the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval have been shaped by close collaboration and shared experience, reinforcing his ambition to claim one of motorsport’s most prestigious wins.
McLaughlin’s Unwavering Drive to Win the Indianapolis 500
Last year, McLaughlin demonstrated remarkable commitment behind the wheel of the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet, showing he is ready to conquer the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. His drive to win this race eclipses all others in his career achievements.
“I think my racing career isn’t complete until I win this race,” McLaughlin said. “I just genuinely want to win this race out of everything on this planet. Even more than Bathurst 1000. For me it’s everything.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Race Driver
Simon Pagenaud’s Role as Mentor and Adviser
To gain every advantage possible, McLaughlin connected with Simon Pagenaud, the 2016 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2019 Indy 500 winner. Although Pagenaud hasn’t competed in the series since suffering a serious crash in July 2023 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, his insights remain invaluable. Their shared history with Team Penske provided a strong foundation for mentorship.
Pagenaud’s intense preparation style and experience brought new strategies to McLaughlin’s approach. Their collaboration began with shared conversations focusing on Pavenaud’s successful methods at Indianapolis.
“I really enjoy working with him (Pagenaud), because it sort of brought it back to the Speedway, brought him back to something he loves,” McLaughlin explained. “He’s really intense too, like, his preparation is next level, but it’s bringing the next level for me.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Race Driver
Breaking Records and Making History at Indianapolis
McLaughlin’s progress was clear during qualifying, where he led a historic Team Penske front-row sweep, the first such accomplishment since 1988 for the renowned team. Claiming the NTT P1 Award, McLaughlin set a record four-lap qualifying average speed of 234.220 mph, the fastest pole speed ever recorded at the Indy 500.
During provisional qualifying, Pagenaud, attending with his family in Virginia, observed McLaughlin’s performance and noticed opportunities for improvement. He promptly contacted McLaughlin with a crucial tip that helped secure the pole position.
“He’s such a great student because he doesn’t take anything the wrong way,” Pagenaud said. “He has no ego, and he believes in what you tell him. He believes in it so strongly that he just does it. And he has this ability that’s extraordinary.”
—Simon Pagenaud, Former Indy 500 Winner
The Deepening Partnership Between Mentor and Protégé
The relationship between McLaughlin and Pagenaud has evolved beyond mentorship into a genuine friendship rooted in respect and shared values. This season, Pagenaud has been embedded more closely with McLaughlin’s crew, offering hands-on support from the very start of practice rather than appearing only during Race Week.
While McLaughlin’s high-energy personality drives him forward, Pagenaud’s calm and analytical approach helps balance the intensity, particularly during the challenging Month of May leading up to the race.
“If you’re at 100% intensity level the whole time, you’re going to burn yourself out pretty quick,” McLaughlin admitted.
—Scott McLaughlin, Race Driver
Pagenaud sends focused daily messages to keep McLaughlin mentally centered and composed, exemplifying the thoughtful nature of their partnership.
Pagenaud’s Unexpected New Role After Recovery
Pagenaud’s career changed dramatically following the severe crash at Mid-Ohio, sidelining his active racing. During recovery and family time, he was not actively searching for another role in motorsports. However, when McLaughlin reached out for guidance, Pagenaud embraced the opportunity without hesitation, guided by respect for McLaughlin’s character.
“I wouldn’t do this with any other driver because I appreciate the values that he has as a person, as a human being,” Pagenaud stated. “He has immense talents. I wish I had some of his talents. If you could put what I know and what he knows together, to me, that makes a really amazing package.”
—Simon Pagenaud, Former Indy 500 Winner
The duo benefits greatly from working with the same Team Penske crew that supported Pagenaud during his own victories, enhancing their collaboration and emotional investment in the campaign.
The Pressures and Trust Within Their Dynamic
Pagenaud admits his current role is weighted with a different kind of stress—he feels more pressure watching and advising than he did when he was behind the wheel. The responsibility of offering guidance that could influence McLaughlin’s safety weighs heavily on him.
“It’s obviously quite different,” Pagenaud said. “I’m more stressed watching than I was driving. It’s tough to send your friend to battle like that and take the responsibility that you might tell him something that could put him in danger.”
—Simon Pagenaud, Former Indy 500 Winner
Despite this, the trust in their relationship is profound. McLaughlin values Pagenaud’s insights, and Pagenaud believes in McLaughlin’s professionalism and dedication. Their mutual gratitude deepens their bond, with Pagenaud appreciating Team Penske’s continued support through his recovery.
More than Racing: A Story of Resilience and Shared Legacy
The partnership between McLaughlin and Pagenaud transcends competition. It symbolizes endurance, legacy, and the quiet strength found in friendship. Their collaboration allows Pagenaud to revisit the emotions and strategies from his own racing days, while empowering McLaughlin’s drive toward greatness.
“I’m trying to put myself in his shoes,” Pagenaud reflected. “Obviously, driving into this track is always very emotional, even so now, because I’m very nostalgic of the great success I’ve had. I’m very grateful again. That makes for emotions to come out a bit. But I’m also very focused on trying to think about all the details I used to think about.
—Simon Pagenaud, Former Indy 500 Winner
“When he goes out there, I’m trying to think exactly how I was thinking. And it’s kind of reliving my life through his life. It’s weird, but it allows me to. He gets it, and I don’t have to force it. I just talk to him like I would talk to myself, and then he drinks it. He drinks like a fire hose. He can drink a lot. He’s pretty impressive.”
—Simon Pagenaud, Former Indy 500 Winner
Scott McLaughlin preparing for Indianapolis 500 victory is more than an individual pursuit; it is strengthened by the wisdom and experience of a former champion, making this collaboration a unique force in the 2024 race. Their story highlights how mentorship and trust can elevate talent, setting the stage for new achievements on one of racing’s grandest stages.
