McLaughlin off to ‘great start’
Scott McLaughlin is celebrating a “great start to the year” after finishing third in the opening race of the 2024 IndyCar Series championship.
The Kiwi clinched the final podium position at the race in St Petersburg, Florida, after starting ninth on the grid.
His Penske teammate Josef Newgarden took the chequered flag and Pato O’Ward was second.
New Zealand’s Scott Dixon finished ninth at the event on March 11 (NZ time) and their compatriot Marcus Armstrong did not finish after suffering a crash on the 27th lap.
Defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou came home sixth and the drivers now prepare for round two at the Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California, on March 25.
Drivers’ championship
1. Josef Newgarden, 54 points
2. Pato O’Ward, 40pts
3. Scott Mclaughlin, 35pts
4. Will Power, 32pts
5. Colton Herta, 31pts
Also: 9. Scott Dixon, 22pts; 25. Marcus Armstrong, 5pts
