McLaughlin takes record Indy 500 pole in Penske clean sweep

©IndyCar

Scott McLaughlin will lead the field for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 following the Kiwi’s record run to pole in Sunday’s top-sex shootout at the Speedway.

McLaughlin was the last of the runners to hit the track late on Sunday, the Team Penske charger setting a blistering 234.220 mph average that equated to the fastest pace ever recorded in the history of Indy’s four-lap average qualifying format.

The outstanding performance delivered a milestone clean sweep to Roger Penske’s team, with Will Power and Josef Newgarden completing the first Team Penske front row lockout of the Indy 500 grid since 1988.

©IndyCar

Coincidently or perhaps not, McLauglin’s #3 Team Penske entry is sporting the same ‘yellow submarine’ Pennzoil livery that graced the car of poleman Rick Mears in 1988.

“Welcome to the party,” McLaughlin said after his impressive run.

“The Pennzoil Chevy was unreal. There’s so much pride in being able to do it. I’m working hard. Indy hasn’t been kind to me, and a lot of it was my doing. I need to work on things. This is the first step.

“The Thirsty 3’s, baby, we’re coming.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.