Arlington, TX – Scott McLaughlin will have a challenging race ahead of him at Sunday’s inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington after a qualifying crash left his car with significant damage. The Team Penske driver, who had earlier set the pace in opening practice, will start from the back of the grid in 25th position after impacting the wall during the second group qualifying session on Saturday.
The incident occurred with just two minutes remaining in the session as McLaughlin was pushing to advance to the Fast 12. He clipped the inside of Turn 8 before making heavier contact with the outside barrier. Whereas the damage to the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet was substantial, particularly to the left front, the team will avoid having to switch to a backup car – unlike teammate Josef Newgarden, who suffered a similar fate in second practice.
“Yeah, pretty much knew it straight away,” McLaughlin, 32, said via the FOX Sports broadcast. “The DEX Chevy was super quick and just turned a little bit early into Turn 8 there and clipped the inside wall. So yeah, I’m really bummed for the guys because, yeah, silly mistake, but it is what it is. You’re trying to find the limits, but yeah, just don’t want to give them (his pit crew) the work to be honest.”
Despite the setback, McLaughlin remains optimistic. He topped the charts in Friday’s opening practice session, setting a best lap of 1 minute, 34.8926 seconds on the 14-turn, 2.73-mile Arlington street circuit and expressed his enthusiasm for the novel track. He described the circuit as “instantly my most favorite street circuit ever,” adding, “That is such a blast.”
Damage Assessed, Race Strategy Shifts
The crash occurred during a session where drivers were vying for a spot in the Fast 12, the final stage of qualifying. McLaughlin’s misfortune means he’ll be starting at the rear of the 25-car field for the inaugural NTT IndyCar Series event at Arlington. Fortunately, the incident too means he retains a plentiful supply of fresh tires, as he didn’t apply them during the qualifying attempt. This could prove crucial as he attempts to make up ground during the 70-lap race.
“Yeah, for sure,” McLaughlin stated. “We’re going to have a heap of tires and a really fast car, so we’re not giving up yet. We’ll charge through from the back and have some fun.”
McLaughlin’s Strong Start to the Season
Prior to the qualifying incident, McLaughlin had demonstrated strong pace throughout the weekend. He led the opening practice session on Friday, establishing himself as a frontrunner at the new Arlington street circuit. He also secured the pole position at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg earlier this month, showcasing his ability to quickly adapt to new tracks. His performance on Friday suggested he would be a strong contender for the inaugural Arlington pole.
What’s Next for the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington
The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington will conclude on Sunday with the 70-lap race, scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Despite starting from last, McLaughlin’s confidence in his car and the availability of fresh tires suggest he could be a factor in the race. The event marks a significant addition to the NTT IndyCar Series calendar, bringing top-tier open-wheel racing to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Fans can expect a competitive race as drivers navigate the challenging 2.73-mile, 14-turn circuit around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.
What do you think McLaughlin’s chances are of a strong finish from the back of the grid? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
