Kiwi IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin put in an impressive performance at the Gallagher Grand Prix in Indianapolis on Sunday, finishing fourth after starting from 15th on the grid.
A tough qualifying session saw McLaughlin start the 85 lap race in 15th, but quickly wound up in the top ten positions by lap two following some excellent car placement into the first few corners and a spin by Pat O’Ward scattering some of the field.
As the first ten laps came and went, the field began to filter into the pits, further pushing McLaughlin into the top five places.
McLaughin was in the lead as he finally came in for his stop on lap 24, coming back out on track in eighth.
Ten laps later and much of the field came back in for their second stop, boosting McLaughlin to the top five positions yet again. An overtake by Newgarden saw the Kiwi come in for his second stop in fifth.
However, Team Penske put in a stellar pit stop which gave McLaughlin the jump on Newgarden as he exited the pits.
Coming into the final stages of the race, McLaughlin was settled in fourth with Newgarden over two seconds behind which is where they both finished respectively.
Fellow New Zealander Scott Dixon also scored a top ten finish, crossing the line in eighth.
It was a long awaited victory for Alexander Rossi though, bringing an end to a 49-race, 1133 day winless streak. It was Rossi’s eighth career victory.
“It’s a relief, man,” Rossi said.
“It’s been so many things for so long. Thankfully something came our way.”
