Scott McLaughlin, a Team Penske driver, has announced his upcoming debut in the Legend Cars Racing series, set to begin after June 9 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event will feature NASCAR’s Keelan Harvick and Shane van Gisbergen, marking a highly anticipated Shane van Gisbergen Legend Cars Racing debut for motorsport fans and competitors alike.
Legend Cars Racing is known for its action on dirt tracks, ovals, and road circuits, attracting both rising stars and established figures from the racing world. This summer, the series gains added excitement with the participation of McLaughlin, a three-time Supercar champion, joining the field along with Keelan Harvick, son of NASCAR’s Kevin Harvick, and Kiwi racer Shane van Gisbergen. The new lineup has caught the attention of the motorsports community, as all three drivers bring experience and competitive spirit to the track.
New Faces Set to Compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway
The official schedule for the Legends Car series, released by Charlotte Motor Speedway, highlights races spanning from June through July. The Cookout Summer Shootout will take place from June 9 to July 29, with most races happening on weekends free from IndyCar events, allowing drivers from different disciplines, such as McLaughlin, to participate. McLaughlin has chosen car number 33 for his campaign in this spec series, signaling his enthusiasm for this new challenge outside the IndyCar circuit.
The buildup to the Legends debut has unfolded across social media, with McLaughlin sharing his plans on Instagram and reposting Shane van Gisbergen’s images of the participating racecars. Each of the featured drivers brings their reputation and following, drawing varied attention to the fast-paced series set to entertain fans at Charlotte.
Scott McLaughlin’s Recent Performances and Challenges
As the 2025 IndyCar season progresses, McLaughlin has delivered steady performances. At the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, he secured pole position and completed the race in fourth place. Later, he earned a third-place finish at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on May 4. Competing with the #3 car, McLaughlin has consistently placed in the top ranks, demonstrating his skill and consistency behind the wheel.
The Detroit Grand Prix on June 1 saw McLaughlin qualify in seventh, but a collision with Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel led to a twelfth-place finish after receiving a stop-and-go penalty. These recent races have showcased both the competitiveness and unpredictability inherent in top-level motorsport. McLaughlin aims to improve his standing in the coming rounds, including the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 scheduled for June 15.
Addressing Team Penske’s Indy 500 Issues
Ahead of his Legend Cars debut, McLaughlin confronted questions about his Team Penske colleagues’ challenges at the Indy 500. After teammates Will Power and Josef Newgarden failed post–qualifying inspections, the racing community examined the implications for the team’s drivers. In a press conference, McLaughlin made his intentions clear:
“I’m not taking for granted. It’s going to be a tough race, regardless. I know we have fast cars. Everyone feels that way, as well. I don’t know. For me, I’m not worried about their race. I’m focused on my own. But we know what we need to do to sort of keep ourselves in the game.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
“I’ve said it all month. It’s been so nice to be able to come into a month where I was up the front a little further than I had been in my career. I understand the cadence a little bit more, you could say. But yeah, not really focused on what they’re doing. I’m just focused on myself.”
—Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske driver
Currently, McLaughlin holds eighth place in the driver’s championship, amassing 164 points amidst a competitive racing season. The Kiwi’s steady approach in the midst of ongoing team turmoil highlights his commitment to focusing on performance and moving past obstacles.
What This Means for the Racing Community
The entry of Scott McLaughlin, alongside Shane van Gisbergen and Keelan Harvick, into Legend Cars Racing signals a summer of intense competition and cross-series excitement at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. With professionals from various disciplines converging, fans can expect high-stakes racing and memorable performances. Observers will keep a close eye as McLaughlin builds on his IndyCar success and adapts to the fast-paced world of Legend Cars, shaping what could be a defining chapter in his 2025 racing campaign.
