From the start of opening practice on Friday to the drop of the checkered flag today at Mid-Ohio, the IndyCar weekend was a wild roller coaster. When the dust settled in Lexington, Ohio, it was Scott McLaughlin that turned his season around with another visit to victory lane after leading 45 of the 80 laps.
McLaughlin earned his second win of the season after dominating the first round on the streets of St Petersburg. The Team Penske driver nearly made it two straight wins but lost to his teammate in a photo finish at Texas. This was his first top-five finish since then as he struggled over the next six races. He was 10th in the championship standings before the last race and leaves Mid-Ohio 7th with eight races remaining.
“Really proud of everyone on the Odyssey Battery Chevy. The pit stops were amazing, the strategy was great, that got me out in clean air,” McLaughlin said. “That was the plan the whole time – to try and jump Pato in the pit exchange and we did that. Super-proud of everyone to get win number two. We knew we had it in us, it was just about executing and that was on my end as well, so I’m really proud of everyone.”
“We’ve always had the pace. I think we made some changes which certainly helped us today but it’s all about having the belief, the belief in the guys. We’ve got a great group here on car number 3, we’re all mates having fun. We go racing and have fun. Really proud to do it and I’m excited.”
Reigning series champion Alex Palou started 7th and made his way towards the front and came up just short in his bid for his first race win of the season. He did move up to 4th in the standings today. Joining McLaughlin and Palou on the podium was Scott’s teammate Will Power. It was an improbable drive from the veteran, who started 21st and was 27th after spinning on the opening lap.
Power thought he may have thrown away a chance at the championship yesterday when he was penalized in qualifying, but he likely helped himself in that effort today with a sensational drive. This is Power’s 7th podium finish at Mid-Ohio, and remains 2nd in the championship standings after today.
Rinus VeeKay collected his second top-five finish of the season today in the No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing entry. The Chevrolet driver improved seven spots from his 11th place starting position. Scott Dixon rounded out the top five, for the 13th time at Mid-Ohio. He finished just ahead of teammate Marcus Ericsson, who retains his lead in the…
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