Former Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin powers to first-ever IndyCar win in Florida

Kiwi Scott McLaughlin has won his maiden IndyCar race after winning the season-opening event in St. Petersburg, Florida.

McLaughlin stands at the top of the IndyCar podium for the first time. Picture: Mark Brown/Getty Images

New Zealand’s Scott McLaughlin roared to the first IndyCar victory of his career on Sunday to win the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida.

The 28-year-old Team Penske driver claimed his maiden win after holding off a fierce challenge from reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou of Spain in 1hr 51 min 27.34sec.

McLaughlin, who started on pole, edged out Chip Ganassi Racing ace Palou by just over half a second in a thrilling finish that saw both drivers battling through heavy traffic.

RETWEET to congratulate @smclaughlin93 on his FIRST ever NTT @IndyCar SERIES win!@Team_Penske // @GPSTPETEpic.twitter.com/QYUtdXuzGu

— IndyCar on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) February 27, 2022

“It was crazy, really struggled those last couple laps just to keep my head and then save the fuel and all that sort of stuff,” McLaughlin said.

“But we did it...I can’t believe it.” Australia’s Will Power finished third as Penske drivers claimed two spots on the podium after the 100-lap race.

McLaughlin took time out to FaceTime his parents after his breakthrough victory. Picture: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Palou meanwhile paid tribute to McLaughlin’s coolness under pressure in the closing stages.

“It was really, really close, but I don’t think we had the pace he had today,” the Spaniard said.

“He was on rails, and he knew where to go fast and where to obviously save some fuel at the end.

“I was just there trying to make some pressure so hopefully he made a mistake but no ... Congrats to him, I’m super happy that he got his first win.” Andretti Autosports’ US driver Colton Herta finished fourth ahead of team-mate Romain Grosjean in fifth.

McLaughlin started on pole and didn’t let the opportunity slip. Picture: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

McLaughlin’s compatriot Scott Dixon, chasing a record-equalling seventh IndyCar season crown, finished in eighth.

The second race of the season will be the XPel 375 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on March 20.

- AFP

Originally published as Former Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin powers to first-ever IndyCar win in Florida