Motorsports: Scott McLaughlin Driving IndyCar Full Time As Team Penske Leaves Supercars

After claiming three consecutive Supercars titles, Kiwi motorsport star Scott McLaughlin moves on to the next stage of his career.

The 27-year-old will leave the Supercars arena in 2021 to take a full-time driving role in next year’s Indycar Series, driving for Team Penske and completing the team’s four-car full season lineup.

McLaughlin will get his first taste of IndyCar on Monday morning when he takes part in the final race of the 2020 season in Florida, where fellow Kiwi Scott Dixon is trying to secure a sixth series title.

While confirming McLaughlin’s move, American motorsports giant Roger Penske, the man behind the Penske team, has announced his departure from Supercars after a successful six-year stint in association with Dick Johnson Racing.

DJR will continue to compete under its own insignia in 2021.

McLaughlin leaves the Supercars arena fourth on the all-time win list with 56 career wins, and second on the all-time list with 76 pole positions in just eight full racing seasons.

“I am very excited for 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 past four years competing for DJR Team Penske have been incredible. I want to thank each and every person on the team and everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career.

“I would not be in a position to continue pursuing my dream without the hard work of so many people along the way. I am looking forward to the challenge of joining one of the most iconic motorsport programs of all time – Team Penske’s IndyCar team. Hopefully the 2021 season started tomorrow. “

McLaughlin will join former Indycar series champions Josef Newgarden, Will Power and Simon Pagenaud in Team Penske’s 2021 Indycar lineup, with the 2021 season beginning in March.

Team Penske founder and CEO Roger Penske says it has been a difficult decision to withdraw from a series in which he has been so successful.

“We’ve had an incredible six seasons competing in the Supercars series with DJR Team Penske,” Penske said.

“Unfortunately, with the challenges we face in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had to readjust our business initiatives for 2021 and beyond.”

Dick Johnson Racing fans can breathe easy, as the Supercar legend has confirmed that his team will still be alive.

“While we hate to see them leave, we understand the difficult business decisions that must be made. We have worked together for the past six years to build a team that has become the benchmark for performance both on and off the track.” Johnson said.

“With the help of Roger and the Penske team, we will be in a position to build on that success. Our team will continue to lead in Supercars racing.”