Scott McLaughlin pushes back on those dragging Penske "through the mud"

Scott McLaughlin is the only Team Penske driver who wasn’t sent to the rear of the field as the attenuator on his No. 3 Chevrolet was not modified like the sister cars. However, that does not mean the New Zealander has had a much better week than teammates Josef Newgarden and Will Power.

McLaughlin’s race strategist and team general manager Kyle Moyer was among those let go by Roger Penske this week. Ben Bretzman will take his place on the pit box for the 500. Additionally, McLaughlin had the unfortunate experience of going airborne in a heavy crash during practice on Sunday morning before qualifying. As a result, he will start tenth in a backup car. 

“Ultimately, those three guys are friends of mine and have done a tremendous amount in my career to get me to this point,” said McLaughlin when asked about the firings in a Thursday press conference. “I guess you could say there’s a sadness from my perspective. At the end of the day I drive for Roger Penske. I respect the decision. I understand the decision. We move forward … Smart people in this paddock know there was no gain with that, you know?”

“It’s frustrating that this is blown up like it has”

Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

McLaughlin also expressed disappointment with some others in the paddock area and media center for how they’ve reacted to the violation. “I think I’m disappointed in some of my peers and people in this room, just how it was taken out of proportion in some ways.

“At the same time, I think people forget just what Roger’s done for this sport in general, and that definitely gets thrown to the side a little bit, which I find a hard time not being passionate about. But ultimately what’s done is done. This happened. We have to move forward. The penalties are accepted … It’s frustrating that this is blown up like it has and it’s cost three people that I’m very close with their jobs. But overall, my view on it right now is just to focus forward and win Roger his 21st (Indy 500).”

McLaughlin earned pole position for last year’s Indy 500, finishing sixth in the race. He said that his No. 3 Chevrolet team are even more motivated now and he’s confident that the changes on the pit box won’t adversely impact his outing on Sunday.

Taking it personally 

Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

Several rivals were quick to question the integrity of Team Penske following the rules breach and while McLaughlin isn’t thrilled with how it has been handled, he also understands that it is “part of the game” in a competitive sport like this.

Even still, he is “disappointed with how Roger’s name has been thrown through the mud — his integrity, our team, the people on the floor, the people that spend hours away from their families trying to build these cars. Basically, they’re being thrown to the mud. I take that personally.”

Power spoke earlier in the day, calling the dismissals “a shock and a pity.” Newgarden was less-interested in talking about the topic, wanting to focus on the challenge ahead of him.