Scott McLaughlin, driver for Team Penske, has expressed that the team requires time to regroup following the turmoil experienced after the Indianapolis 500 this year. Despite facing setbacks, McLaughlin emphasized his confidence in the team’s long-term potential as they adjust to new leadership changes.
Driven by Chevrolet in the #3 Team Penske car, the 32-year-old racer commented on the recent shifts in the organization’s management, including Jonathan Diuguid assuming the role of IndyCar president and Travis Law becoming the competition director. Speaking with Motorsports insider Bob Pockrass, McLaughlin described the current phase as a necessary reset.
Team Penske’s Leadership Reorganization after Indy 500 Turmoil
The controversy following this year’s Indianapolis 500 forced significant leadership departures within Team Penske. Two of their three cars were found to have violated technical rules, which led to the exit of key figures, such as managing director Ron Ruzewski, general manager Kyle Moyer, and team president Tim Cindric. This upheaval left the team in a state of uncertainty.
Reflecting on the situation, McLaughlin shared his perspective about the challenges and resources at the team‘s disposal:
“I wouldn’t want to be with another team in terms of when we’re down in this right now. With the resources and the people, I really think we’re going to be just fine. It’s going to take some time, but I feel like this is meant to happen and we’ll get going.”
— Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
McLaughlin’s 2025 Season Performance Highlights
Despite the organizational instability, Scott McLaughlin has demonstrated solid early-season results in 2025. At the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg on March 2, he secured pole position and finished the race in fourth. More recently, in the Synk 275 event, McLaughlin started in 27th place and climbed to finish fourth once again, showing strong racecraft and resilience.
McLaughlin’s Thoughts on Attempting Double Duty Like Kyle Larson
McLaughlin touched on the possibility of pursuing double duty in racing, following in the footsteps of Kyle Larson, during a conversation on the Speed Freaks podcast. He acknowledged the prestige of the Indianapolis 500 and his ongoing desire to win the race, despite previous near-misses such as obtaining pole but not converting it into a victory.
“I would do it, but I think I’ve got a few boxes I want to tick here in IndyCar first. I know it’s a boring answer, but it’s definitely something I’m really interested in doing, but I think I owe it to RP (Roger Penske) and the team to focus on what I’m doing here in IndyCar, and then the rest will follow.”
— Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
“If you look at [Kyle] Larson; like he was burnt out from doing it the last couple of years and I need to make sure that I’ve won this big race and ultimately the one that I want to win the most, before I even think about moving on to something else and doing something crazy like that.”
— Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
2024 Indianapolis 500 Results and Impact on the Team
During the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, Scott McLaughlin qualified in tenth place. However, his race ended prematurely when he crashed during the warm-up lap. This incident, compounded with the team’s broader technical rule violations, contributed to significant pressure and the eventual leadership shake-up.
Team Penske’s Outlook Following a Challenging Period
While Team Penske is navigating through a period of uncertainty, the combination of experienced personnel and ample resources provides a foundation for recovery. McLaughlin’s remarks demonstrate an optimistic outlook, reinforcing the idea that the turbulence experienced is temporary and manageable.
Looking ahead, the team’s ability to stabilize under new leadership and capitalize on their talent could determine their success in the remainder of the season. McLaughlin’s steady performances suggest that both he and Team Penske remain strong contenders despite recent challenges, as they work toward reclaiming their dominant form in IndyCar racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Scott McLaughlin a dad?
A. He mentioned to Mike Hosking that being a dad has been quite an adventure, but he has liked it. “Had a wonderful Christmas, and I’m really excited about returning to the racetrack and getting involved again.” This weekend will be special as their daughter will visit the track for the first time, and McLaughlin thinks that will be fantastic.
Q. Is Scott McLaughlin a father?
A. Scott McLaughlin, a recent father and avid golf fan, talks with James Hinchcliffe about his impressive 2024 INDYCAR season achievements.
