Scott McLaughlin has mapped out his post-season strategy as Team Penske endures a difficult 2025 IndyCar campaign, with the squad still seeking a major turnaround after a winless stretch across 15 races. The experienced Kiwi is set to race in the prestigious Suzuka 1000km in September for Johor Motorsports Racing, piloting a chevrolet/”>Chevrolet-powered entry at the iconic Japanese venue.
Throughout the current IndyCar season, Team Penske has faced significant adversity, with only a single pole and podium for McLaughlin standing out against a backdrop of struggles. Though the team celebrated a recent win thanks to Will Power breaking Penske’s season-long victory drought at Portland, McLaughlin himself has yet to stand atop the podium.
With the conclusion of the 2025 racing calendar approaching, drivers are actively planning their off-season activities. McLaughlin, representing Team Penske, is among the first to share his plans, confirming his participation in Japan at the famed Suzuka circuit. He will compete in the Pro category, driving a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R for Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) alongside Alexander Sims and Nicky Catsburg. The highly anticipated weekend is scheduled for September 12–14, offering McLaughlin a chance to tackle what he calls a “bucket-list” racetrack.
Reflecting on this forthcoming challenge, McLaughlin expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm:
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the JMR team heading to Suzuka for the 1000km. I’ve always wanted to race Suzuka and it’s a bucket-list track for me. It’ll be an exciting race there in the Pro class with my GM friends Nicky Catsburg and Alex Sims, who are two amazing Corvette racers.
McLaughlin last raced a Corvette at Daytona, and the Suzuka event is expected to give him new insights into the car and his international teammates.
“I’m sure I’m going to learn a lot about the team and more about the Corvette, which I haven’t raced since Daytona. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel, have a lot of fun, and hopefully come back with some silverware.”
Pursuing victory at the legendary Suzuka 1000km places McLaughlin among elite company, as the race has historically attracted former top-tier IndyCar and Formula 1 drivers. A win there would mark a high point amid Team Penske’s challenging year and could signal a resurgence in his racing fortunes.
Evaluating Future Options: McLaughlin’s Thoughts on F1 Prospects and IndyCar Commitment
McLaughlin, originally from New Zealand, first built his motorsports reputation in the Australian Supercars series before transitioning to IndyCar with Team Penske in 2020. His adaptability to high-speed, open-wheel vehicles—routinely topping 200 mph—has fueled speculation about whether a Formula 1 opportunity might be in his future.
Speaking on the Off Track with Hinch and Rossi podcast, the 32-year-old addressed such possibilities directly:
“If I over got offered a test, I would love to do that; it would be awesome. But, I think the whole F1 racing thing for me, that’s sort of gone. I mean, I really enjoy my life here, I really am passionate about IndyCar and growing the sport.”
This commitment to IndyCar comes despite his current struggles in the driver standings. McLaughlin is positioned 11th, which would be his worst championship finish in four years, with his previous lowest being 14th during his sophomore season. Such results highlight the broader adversity faced by both McLaughlin and Team Penske throughout the 2025 IndyCar season.
Looking Ahead: What Suzuka Could Mean for McLaughlin and Team Penske
As the racing season nears its end, McLaughlin’s participation in the Suzuka 1000km signals both personal ambition and professional re-energizing. Racing alongside seasoned drivers like Alexander Sims and Nicky Catsburg, and representing Johor Motorsports Racing in a Corvette Z06 GT3.R, he aims to gain valuable experience and elevate his profile internationally.
A strong result at Suzuka might offer a boost for both McLaughlin and Team Penske as they look to rebound from a season marked by struggle. Meanwhile, McLaughlin’s clear focus on IndyCar, despite speculation about F1, underlines his ongoing commitment to the American open-wheel series as he prepares for future campaigns.
