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On the eve of his debut IndyCar race, Team Penske has confirmed that Scott McLaughlin will compete full-time in the American series in 2021 and return to Supercars as a co-driver for the Repco Bathurst 1000.
Just days after claiming their third consecutive drivers’ championship and helping DJR Team Penske claim the 2020 team championship, the US-based McLaughlin Team Penske announced that they will be transitioning to time driving. full on IndyCar in 2021.
The 27-year-old Kiwi, who claimed his third Barry Sheene medal for best and fairest of Supercars last Sunday, has made no secret of his desire to move to the US to compete in IndyCar and tomorrow will make his St Petersburg debut in Florida. .
McLaughlin leaves Supercars with 56 racing wins and 76 career pole positions, putting him fourth on the all-time win list and second on the pole winners list.
The news comes as part of Team Penske’s confirmation that it will be retiring from the Supercars, with Dick Johnson and Ryan Story to run a renowned Dick Johnson Racing in 2021.
“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 last four years competing for DJR Team Penske have been incredible. I want to thank everyone 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 look forward to the challenge of joining one of the most iconic motorsport programs of all time – Team Penske’s IndyCar team.
“I wish the 2021 season started tomorrow.”
DJR will announce its driver lineup and more details on its 2021 Supercars program in the coming weeks, with speculation that McLaughlin will be replaced by rising star Anton De Pasquale in the No. 17.
Johnson said in a statement this morning: “We want to thank Scott for his professionalism on and off the track.
“He is a generational talent and we are excited to have him join us as co-driver on next year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 in October.
“We know Scott is in a great position with the Penske team for the future and we wish him all the luck in the world as he begins his IndyCar career.
“The future is also very bright at DJR.
“We have really amazing people on our team, the same people who have been the driving force behind the racing victories and the championships that we have won for the last six years.
“We also have a fantastic and committed group of partners, who will be with us throughout 2021 and beyond, and some of the most passionate and loyal fans in motorsport.
“With that kind of support and experience, we are ready to build on our success with the Shell V-Power Racing team.”
