Scott McLaughlin celebrated a significant career milestone at the 2025 Suzuka 1000km, finishing third in the No. 2 Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside co-drivers Nicky Catsburg and Alexander Sims.
The podium finish marked JMR’s first in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, reflecting the team’s rapid rise in GT3 competition.
The race posed a unique challenge for the trio, as a 20kg Balance of Performance weight adjustment was applied to their car just hours before the start.
Despite this, Catsburg, who had set the fastest qualifying lap, drove an impressive stint in the final hour to move the Corvette from fifth to third. In doing so, he overtook the No. 31 WRT BMW and secured the team’s historic podium.
“I was in the car for a long time and there were many, many great battles,” Catsburg said.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had to fight that hard for a P3 result; a car behind me had a lot of pace late in the race, and the last five or six laps were just about surviving.”
Reflecting on the achievement, he expressed pride in the team’s performance and the unique experience of racing at Suzuka.
“For me, Suzuka is a bucket list,” McLaughlin said.
“I know the track like the back of my hand, even though I’ve never been here! I’ve driven it a lot on the simulator and walked around it today. It was awesome just to soak it all in.
“To be here, getting a podium with JMR is unreal. Ideally, you want to win the race, but this is the first time the team has had a Pro car, and to be part of that and achieve an overall podium is unbelievable.
“It was really cool to come here with Corvette and be part of the program with two superstar race drivers in Nicky and Alex. We had great pit-stops and I’m really proud of this result.
“It was hot out there, and I got caught behind some slow cars at the start of the race, but the car had plenty of pace.”
Looking ahead, McLaughlin indicated he is open to more GT3 opportunities in the future, noting iconic endurance events like the Spa 24 Hours and Le Mans as potential goals, subject to his IndyCar commitments.
“I’d love to do more if the calendar works out. I love my GT racing. It just really depends on my calendar. Obviously, my IndyCar racing comes first and foremost,” he said.
JMR’s success extended beyond the Pro category, with the #99 Corvette, driven by Prince Jefri Ibrahim, Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim, and Konsta Lappalainen, claiming third in the Pro-Am class.
This further emphasised the team’s strong showing across multiple divisions.
The Intercontinental GT Challenge will wrap up on October 16-18 at the Indianapolis 8 Hour at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, though it remains unclear whether McLaughlin will return for the season finale.
Header Image: Intercontinental GT Challenge
