McLaughlin claims maiden IndyCar victory

Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin has added an IndyCar victory to his already impressive racing record.

McLaughlin, a 56-time Supercars race winner, won the IndyCar season opener at St. Petersburg.

The Team Penske driver effectively led the whole 100-lap race, but was forced to hold off 2021 champion Alex Palou.

McLaughlin secured victory by just 0.509s at the iconic street circuit.

It marks his first race win in an IndyCar, and his first victory since he won at The Bend Motorsport Park in September 2020.

The Kiwi converted his maiden pole into an early lead following a challenge from Colton Herta.

He led Herta by over four seconds by lap 17, and extended it to six seconds by lap 20.

Australian teammate Will Power loomed as his biggest threat after clearing Herta, with the race neutralised after a crash for rookie David Malukas.

McLaughlin beat Power to pit exit and committed to a two-stop strategy.

Palou passed Power on the restart, with Herta later passing the Australian.

McLaughlin made his second stop on lap 64, and the rest of the two-stoppers pitted within two laps.

McLaughlin celebrates victory

Effective leader McLaughlin regained the lead on lap 79, with Palou two seconds back.

The margin jumped around as the leaders negated traffic, with Palou just 0.3s behind when they commenced the final lap.

However, McLaughlin held on to score his first win, having made his full-time debut in 2021.

Power finished third, 2.467s from the lead.

McLaughlin will be hoping for a repeat of 2021, when Palou won the first race of the season and went on the secure the title.

The winner of the season opener in the last three IndyCar seasons has gone on to win the title in the same year.

"I miss my mum and dad dearly, my family, I wish you guys were here," he said.

'I can't believe it'

"What a day, I'm out of breath... really struggled those last couple of laps to keep my head, save fuel and all that stuff.

"Oh my god... love you Australia and New Zealand, miss you guys. Thinking of everyone in Queensland, floods at the moment.

"I can't believe it."

McLaughlin finished 14th overall and secured Rookie of the Year honours in 2021.

He will take his points lead to Texas Motor Speedway on March 19.

McLaughlin's former Supercars squad, Shell V-Power Racing Team, will commence its 2022 season in Sydney this weekend.

The Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight will open the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship.

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