IndyCar series title hopeful Scott McLaughlin says winning not once, but twice proved his biggest believers right.
At the end of 2020, it was announced the Kiwi would make the shock switch from Supercars to IndyCar.
The unprecedented move was backed by Team Penske owner Roger Penske and president Tim Cindric, who saw the talent the three-time Supercars champion possessed.
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McLaughlin stunned the IndyCar paddock when he converted pole position into victory on the streets of St Petersburg at the season-opener.
Then, the 29-year-old backed up that performance at Mid-Ohio with a win in front of his parents.
For McLaughlin, that second win was validation.
“It’s a big deal. You have a lot of pressure on yourself to compete and win and do bits and pieces,” said McLaughlin of proving Team Penske right.
“To finally do it is obviously a massive weight off the shoulders, particularly St. Pete was huge for me, but to win again at Mid-Ohio not only proved it to myself but a couple others that it wasn’t just a flash in the pan or a lucky weekend.
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“All year we’ve been in the spot during the races to be in the top five. I think that’s a testament to how myself and Ben [Bretzman, engineer] are working, how I’m getting entwined with the team, definitely sort of finding a bit more confidence, a bit more confidence in my feedback, a bit more confidence in what I’m saying about the race car.
“That only adds to my driver confidence to add to what I do on the racetrack. Once I’m comfortable, I get more and more comfortable, hopefully we get more and more results as we go.”
After the move at the end of 2020 and a year of learning America and getting accustomed to the culture, McLaughlin said he’s finally settled down in the United States.
Asked what was making the difference between this year and last, McLaughlin said he’s much more relaxed.
“I think I just have taken a chill pill, man,” he explained.
“Gone back, just enjoyed life a bit, enjoyed what I’m doing, believe in myself, believe in why I’ve been brought here by Roger and Tim.
“I’m just a lot more at ease with the whole situation of living here in America. I’m a lot more at ease with where I am at in my development. Probably putting less pressure on myself, which is helping as well.
“It’s been a lot of fun this year. I’ve enjoyed it. Really enjoyed working with Ben. He’s been great with me. I got my feet on the ground here in America. I feel a lot more at home.”
McLaughlin sits seventh in the standings with five races remaining in the IndyCar Series, but still believes he’s in the title fight.
His season continues with the Gallagher Grand Prix, which gets underway on Sunday at 2.20am AEST.
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