The 'great gift' Scott McLaughlin gave to Simon Pagenaud

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Scott McLaughlin is looking forward to the upcoming NTT IndyCar Series season.

The Team Penske driver is coming off arguably the best IndyCar season in his career. He finished in third place in the standings and won three races (Barber, Iowa No. 1, Milwaukee No. 2).

“Winning my first oval race was really special, and gave me that confidence to sort of springboard into this year knowing how important ovals are here, especially the Indianapolis 500,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve learned a lot over the last few years, but I feel more ready in this one.”

One of the most special moments for McLaughlin last year came at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, when he won the pole for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

“I picked the wrong Sunday,” joked McLaughlin. “I got to make sure that I’m at the right end of the last Sunday in May to be at the front. But learned a lot that year. To start on pole was incredible.”

McLaughlin made Indy 500 history with his pole run. He now has the fastest four-lap average pole speed (234.220 mph) in the history of the event.

McLaughlin led the most laps (66) in the race and finished in sixth place.

“Now I know what to expect,” McLaughlin said. “I never had led laps at the 500 before. It was the first time I was able to do that and be at the front. And if you said to me two years ago I would have finished sixth at the Indy 500, I would have been pumped. But, ultimately I was disappointed.”

McLaughlin credits a former Indy 500 winner for helping him find more and more success on the track.

Indy 500 champion Simon Pagenaud, who won the race in 2019, helped mentor McLaughlin, which ultimately led to a successful Month of May for the Team Penske driver.

“People will never understand how much he gave me,” McLaughlin said.

To show his appreciation to Pagenaud, McLaughlin gifted him the helmet he wore during his 2024 Indy 500 pole run.

“He opened his book,” McLaughlin said. “Regardless if he comes back and races or whatever he wants to do. He was fully up front with me, gave me tips on everything and I have nothing to repay him with apart from the pole helmet. I felt like that was a great gift and something that he can remember what he gave me.”

The duo has a special relationship that continues today.

“Ultimately if I ever win the race, he’s going to be right by my side,” McLaughlin said.

There will be someone else by McLaughlin’s side as well should he win an Indy 500.

McLaughlin and his wife Karly welcomed a baby girl, Lucy, this past October.

“Karly’s a superstar mom, my wife,” McLaughlin said. “Lucy, she’s been a great baby so far. We’re having a blast.”

The 2025 IndyCar Series kicks off on March 2 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.