Scott McLaughlin will replace another Scott, Scott Pye, in DJR Team Penske’s 2017 lineup in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship (formerly V8 Supercars).
McLaughlin was announced late Monday for the switch from Garry Rogers Motorsport, and will join Fabian Coulthard in a two-car lineup next year. Both Coulthard and Pye were on site at this year’s Indianapolis 500 to support Team Penske’s IndyCar efforts.
McLaughlin’s only 23 but is one of the rising stars in the series, currently third in points, and with already eight race wins.
“There’s no question that Scott McLaughlin is one of the top drivers in the series and we’re excited to bring him aboard at DJR Team Penske,” said team founder Dick Johnson in a release.
“With the combination of McLaughlin and Coulthard we look forward to chasing race wins next season in what really is the most competitive touring cars series in the world.”
Roger Penske said, “We have watched Scott closely over the last few seasons and have admired his talent and his ability to get the best results out of his car week in and week out.
“As we continue raise the level of performance at DJR Team Penske we believe he will be a key addition to our Team on and off the track.”
Added McLaughlin, “This is a great opportunity for me to join one of the most accomplished Supercar teams in history and, hopefully, we can continue to grow together.
“I want to thank two absolute motorsport legends in Dick Johnson and Roger Penske for believing in me. I’m really excited about the future with the organization.”
Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said he still wants the best for Pye, who’s now a free agent, but temporarily sidelined now that McLaughlin became available.
“Scott Pye was the driver who gave us our first pole and our first podium and I think he still has a lot of potential,” Cindric said in a media teleconference, via the series website.