Scott McLaughlin has been impressive in his IndyCar career since making his debut in 2020 and adjusting from the different world of SuperCars in Australia.
The New Zealander was very impressive and scored his first podium at Texas Motor Speedway a year later, his first ever event on an oval.
That type of circuit can be difficult for drivers outside of North America to deal with as they are less common in other regions.
McLaughlin has consistently improved on ovals over his stint at Team Penske and took his first oval win this season at Iowa Speedway.
He had been knocking on the door for multiple seasons and took his second victory on an oval at the Milwaukee Mile towards the end of the year in IndyCar.
Heading into 2025, the Team Penske driver will be looking to improve once more, and McLaughlin explained to the official IndyCar website he is confident he can compete at the Indy 500 and for the championship.
Scott McLaughlin admitted he needs to ‘tidy a few things up’ ahead of 2025
McLaughlin had a successful season in 2024 and finished third in the championship standings despite losing 10 points from the season-opener at St. Petersburg after breaching push-to-pass regulations.
He was consistently in and around the top five, taking his first victory at Barber Motorsports Park to ignite his season, after a stuttering start.
His prowess on ovals developed as well, taking sixth place at the Indy 500 before finishing first and third at Iowa over the doubleheader.
Despite some excellent results, events such as Long Beach and Laguna Seca cost the driver of the No. 3 car valuable points, as he finished outside the top 20.
McLaughlin explained he would need to improve his consistency next year to challenge for the title but is confident he can battle for the Indy 500.
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He explained: “You can have these years where you’re like, ‘Oh, my God, I was so close,’ and you got to go find something, and then you come back and you overdrive it.
“I had a very similar year, the year before I won my first championship in Supercars. I was so close, but then I came back the next year, and the first half of the year was a blow up. I ended up winning the championship that year but because I settled myself down and I thought about it. I’ve got to make sure that I do that next year.
“I know I can do it. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I can win the ‘500’ and the championship, as well. I just got to tidy a few things up, and we’ll be OK.”
Challenging for a championship in IndyCar comes down to fine margins
McLaughlin has battled for championships in the past, winning three consecutive Supercars Championship title before moving to IndyCar.
This experience should help the New Zealander deal with the added pressure that comes with a title fight, as well as how to manage risk at the end of the year.
Reigning champion Alex Palou could be the driver to beat after taking his third title in four years. Palou has yet to win on an oval, although he feels ready. He is formidable on road and street courses which has been critical to his success.
McLaughlin is in a very strong outfit in Team Penske and knows how to put together a championship-challenging campaign, the New Zealander may be a contender for the title in 2025.