Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin delivered a lighthearted moment during a recent IndyCar Q&A on X, captivating motorsport fans across the globe. When McLaughlin responded to his race engineer Ben Bretzman’s social media post with a witty golf-related question, he showcased the camaraderie and playful spirit that have become hallmarks of the Team Penske garage. This humorous exchange came just as anticipation is building for the coming races, adding an extra dose of excitement for fans and followers of the team.
The collaboration between Scott McLaughlin and Ben Bretzman goes back to 2019, a pivotal year for both. That season, McLaughlin was defending his V8 Supercars Championship, and together they managed to secure a second consecutive title. Their partnership grew beyond the racetrack, beginning with their first simulator session and ultimately evolving into a genuine friendship, which continues to influence their effective teamwork within Team Penske.
The 2025 IndyCar campaign has already set a positive tone for McLaughlin and Team Penske. At the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, McLaughlin emerged on pole and finished in a commendable fourth place. He carried that momentum into the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix held on May 4, where he qualified second and crossed the finish line in third. As preparations intensify for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, expectations are high for McLaughlin and his crew.
Reflecting on the recent qualifying round at Barber Motorsports Park, McLaughlin narrowly missed capturing pole, clocking a lap of 1.07.4387 seconds to secure a front-row start. In his remarks to Speedway Digest, McLaughlin expressed both determination and optimism, emphasizing his continued drive to achieve more success for Team Penske.
“I always want to be on pole, but we’re right there and ready to push for the win,”
he said.
This blend of humor and competitive focus from both McLaughlin and Team Penske is resonating with fans and the wider racing community. Their lighthearted moments, combined with a determined approach to each race, are strengthening the team’s position as contenders while inspiring supporters to follow every update in the ongoing IndyCar season.