Scott McLaughlin, former Australian Supercars Champion and current IndyCar competitor, completed his much-anticipated Suzuka 1000km race with a remarkable podium finish driving the No. 2 Johor Motorsports JMR Chevrolet Corvette. The endurance event took place in Japan, where McLaughlin pursued a long-held ambition to compete on the iconic Suzuka circuit.
Despite starting ninth after a combined three-driver qualifying session, McLaughlin, alongside teammate Nicky Catsburg, overcame challenges including a last-minute Balance of Performance (BoP) weight increase to secure a top-three result.
Qualifying and Race Developments Affect Corvette Performance
Nicky Catsburg set the fastest lap during qualifying, helping to position the No. 2 Corvette within striking distance of the leaders. However, both factory Corvette teams faced an additional 20 kilograms added to their cars’ weight, while the competing C7 Gen Callaway was burdened with a 10-kilogram increase shortly before the race began.
These handicaps impacted the car’s pace, but during the final hour, Catsburg demonstrated skillful overtaking by reclaiming lost ground from fifth place. His decisive battle with the No. 31 WRT BMW allowed the Corvette to climb back onto the podium, finishing just behind the No. 6 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.
Race Leaders and Penalties Shape Final Standings
The No. 32 BMW Team WRT led the event dominantly, maintaining a lead of 13.647 seconds over the No. 7 Origine Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R. The No. 32 car took pole position and maintained control throughout nearly the entire race. Meanwhile, the No. 7 Porsche received a five-second penalty after driver Kevin Estre executed a contested pass on the No. 888 BMW driven by Mikëal Grenier, which affected the final order.
McLaughlin Reflects on Achieving a Long-Desired Milestone
Upon arriving at Suzuka, McLaughlin expressed the personal significance of racing at the track, describing it as a “bucket list” destination that he felt intimately familiar with despite never having physically driven there before. He credited extensive simulator practice and circuit walks for his preparation.
For me, Suzuka is a bucket list [track],
McLaughlin said.
I had it circled on my calendar to maybe do it. Jess came to me earlier in the year and told me this is happening, it will be a Pro car, and I was immediately excited about it. I signed the deal, and here we are.
McLaughlin added that Suzuka has now joined his top five favorite tracks, alongside legendary circuits such as Bathurst, Laguna Seca, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (oval), and the Adelaide Streets course.
What This Podium Means for McLaughlin’s Career
Scott McLaughlin’s podium finish at the Suzuka 1000km is a significant achievement highlighting his versatility beyond traditional Supercars and IndyCar racing. Tackling one of motorsport’s most challenging endurance events under changing conditions adds to his growing reputation on the international stage.
His strong performance in the No. 2 Chevrolet Corvette, especially overcoming BoP-induced weight penalties, signals potential for further endurance racing success. As McLaughlin’s career continues to unfold, his affinity for diverse racing disciplines and iconic circuits like Suzuka suggests more competitive runs in global sports car events to come.
