Scott McLaughlin admits NASCAR talks with Roger Penske but reveals the one reason IndyCar still holds him back

Scott McLaughlin has been open about his future, and his name is now back in the NASCAR conversation. The New Zealand driver says he would love to try a NASCAR race one day, and the biggest name behind him, Roger Penske, is fully on board. But for now, McLaughlin’s heart and focus remain with Team Penske and the IndyCar series. McLaughlin has made it clear that a one-off NASCAR appearance excites him. Still, he does not want it to distract him from his main job. Speaking during IndyCar content days last week, he explained that while the idea is tempting, his priority is success in IndyCar.

With Penske’s support already there, the door is open. The question is only about timing. The 32-year-old moved to America in 2021 after a dominant run in Australian Supercars, where he won three straight championships with DJR Team Penske. When Penske offered him a chance to race in the US, McLaughlin accepted without hesitation, even though the move came with a surprise.

Scott McLaughlin explains why IndyCar comes first despite NASCAR interest

McLaughlin admitted he expected his first US opportunity to come in stock cars, not open-wheel racing. Still, he embraced the IndyCar challenge and has built his career there. That is why he is careful about adding anything new right now.

“Look, we have joked about it,” McLaughlin said during IndyCar content days. “He has said that Shane van Gisbergen is doing well, and that I could have a go with him. I know Roger would like to see me try it, and people talk to him about it all the time. But we have so much here to focus on.”

He added that racing is his passion and that he would never turn down a chance lightly. “I am very happy doing what I am doing right now,” he said. “If he came to me tomorrow and asked me to do a NASCAR race, I would do it. I love racing. I love the sport, and I love being part of it.”

McLaughlin also joked about racing against fellow New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen, who is now competing full-time in NASCAR with Trackhouse Racing. While Gisbergen has shined on road and street tracks, McLaughlin says a full-time NASCAR move is not on his mind.

“No, I do not really have much interest in going full-time in NASCAR,” he said. “I love IndyCar racing. You never say never, but I am fully focused here.”

Family is another big reason. McLaughlin became a father in October 2024, and a full NASCAR schedule would mean being away for 38 weekends, far more than IndyCar. He also admitted that his 2025 IndyCar season did not go as planned, finishing 10th after starting as a title favorite. For now, fixing that matters most.





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