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CONFIRMED: McLaughlin is moving full day to Team Penske in IndyCar




Scott McLaughlin (left) and Ludo Lacroix

Team Penske has confirmed that Scott McLaughlin will drive full-time for the team in next year’s IndyCar series.

The news comes as the 27-year-old makes his racing debut in the single-seater category at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix this weekend.

At the same time, the team has confirmed its four-car line-up for 2021, which will keep Will Power, Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud.

Confirmation that McLaughlin will be leaving the Supercars Championship coincides with news that Team Penske has split from Dick Johnson Racing.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to take the next step in my career and compete against some of the best drivers in the world in the IndyCar series,” said McLaughlin.

“The last four years for the DJR Team Penske have been incredible. I’d like to thank every single person on the team and everyone who helped me reach this point in my career.

“Without the hard work of so many people, I would not be able to pursue my dream any further.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking part in one of the most famous motorsport programs of all time – the INDYCAR team from Team Penske. I wish the 2021 season started tomorrow. “

McLaughlin is said to have made the switch a long time ago and had wanted to race in the US for several years.

The Brisbane-based New Zealand driver was associated with NASCAR for a while but was approached by Roger Penske and team president Tim Cindric last year with the prospect of driving in the IndyCar series.

Since then, McLaughlin has tested the Dallara IR-18 at Sebring International Raceway, the Circuit of The Americas, and Texas Motor Speedway.

The Kiwi should compete at least half a dozen races this year before the coronavirus pandemic broke out, causing global travel turmoil and calendar chaos.

Next year’s IndyCar series starts on March 7th with the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.

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