By Timothy Neal
Date posted: December 30, 2022
Scott McLaughlin’s stellar second year in the IndyCar series is backed up by some big stats, leaving plenty of upshot heading into 2023.
In the Kiwi star’s first full season, the three-time Supercars champion made steady gains after his single-race 2020 debut where he finished P22 on the streets of St Petersburg, Florida.
2021 saw McLaughlin take his first podium (P2) behind compatriot Scott Dixon at the Texas Motor Speedway after qualifying in P15.
His Penske rookie season saw him lead only 5 laps throughout the entire season, which equated to .002% of his completed laps, and a next highest finish of P4 to finish the season in 14th position.
McLaughlin celebrates his first IndyCar win on the streets of St Petersburg. Photo by Michael L Levitt / LAT Images
That 14th also saw him claim IndyCar Rookie of the Year, and by the end of the 2022 season, the Hamilton born gun proved his goods and justified the gamble in a big way.
His Sophomore year saw his stats explode, leading to a total of 433 laps throughout the year, which equated to 19.6% of his completed season laps.
His three victories, which included his historic maiden win in Round 1 at St Petersburg from pole, had him as the second most winningest driver behind Penske team-mate Josef Newgarden (five wins); he then backed up his first victory with another P2 in Texas in Round 2.
His two other wins in a tensely fought out season came at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Round 9, before a dominant flag to flag victory in the penultimate round at Portland.
McLaughlin led from start to finish at Portland for his third IndyCar victory on the 2022 season
His three wins were accompanied by three poles, and four races as the driver who led the most laps.
His explosive 2022 season had him finish in fourth position in one of the most hotly contested IndyCar seasons in recent memory: 50 points of Champion Will Power, and just 11 points of Dixon in third.
Penske Team President Tim Cindric summed up McLaughlin’s year perfectly, highlighting how the star’s IndyCar gamble has paid off in spades.
“Scott took a big gamble when he came to IndyCar, as he knew he would be leaving a series where he knew he could thrive for years to come (Supercars),” Cindric explained.
“To see him have the success he has had so far has been really satisfying, as we were confident in his talent. We just didn’t know how long it would take for him to gain confidence in himself.
McLaughlin celebrating his second win of the year at Mid-Ohio in the Honda Indy 200
“Scott has adjusted quickly and has already established himself as someone that can win at any track during one of the most competitive eras of INDYCAR racing.”
2023 promises to be another exhilarating season, and it wouldn’t shock many to see McLaughlin push even further towards the top of the season leaderboard, and perhaps become the first driver to win both the Supercars, and IndyCar championship.
2023 INDYCAR schedule
Streets of St. Petersburg – Florida – March 5
Texas Motor Speedway – Texas – April 2
Streets of Long Beach – California – April 16
Barber Motorsports Park – Alabama – Apr 30
Indianapolis Motor Speedway—Indiana – May 13
(Road Course Race 1)
Indianapolis Motor Speedway—Indiana – May 28th
(Indy 500 – Oval)
Streets of Detroit-Michigan – June 4th
Road America-Wisconsin-June 18
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Ohio – July 2
Streets of Toronto—Toronto, Canada – July16
Iowa Speedway-Iowa – Jul 22
(Race 1)
Iowa Speedway-Iowa – Jul 23
(Race 2)
Streets of Nashville – Tennessee – Aug 6
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Aug 12
(Road Course Race 2)
World Wide Technology Raceway – Illinois – Aug 27
Portland International Raceway – Oregon – Sept 3
Laguna Seca – California – Sept 10
For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
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