McLaughlin was surrounded by approving competitors after qualifying. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
Scott McLaughlin has earned the first pole of his IndyCar career in just his 18th attempt, but the drivers that are competing against him are not surprised at his pace to start the season.
The Kiwi moved over to IndyCar from Australian Supercars just over a year ago, and left a very successful career behind in order to learn to drive open wheel cars stateside.
Before this weekend, McLaughlin had only started in the first three rows once since switching disciplines, but he seems to have found his groove in the offseason and has been quick all weekend.
Speaking after he earned his first pole in St. Pete on Saturday, the drivers that had just been bested by McLaughlin were quick to praise his speed and relate that they are in no way surprised to see him starting up front.
“No, it’s not surprising,” said Team Penske team-mate Will Power. “You saw it in practice last year. He just had a few issues in qualifying getting through the rounds a couple times. But the potential was there.
“He’s been at a very high level in a very competitive series for quite a few years, so he knows the game.
“I mean, man, the experience he had in the series down there in Australia, he’s had a number of years at a very high level as a professional. He knows how to put it together
“It’s just a matter of him getting used to this car which he has now, and yeah, I’m expecting him to be a contender for the season. I really expect him to be there every time.”
Romain Grosjean backed up Power’s sentiment, relating that he’s happy to have McLaughlin in the series to boost the driver talent level.
“Obviously after yesterday we were hoping for a little bit more, to be in Scott’s seat,” said Grosjean, who earned his own maiden IndyCar pole last season.
“But I think I said last year a few times that I was very impressed with Scott jumping from the V-8 Supercars to IndyCar, and it’s proven today that I wasn’t that wrong. Very happy that Scott is on pole.”
McLaughlin will lead the field of 26 cars away at the green flag on Sunday, and will need to review his rolling start procedure so he has a chance to keep his lead into the tricky turn 1.
Keyword: No surprise among drivers at McLaughlin’s pace for maiden pole