Scott McLaughlin took advantage of IndyCar’s week off following a busy July, spending time at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania just one week ahead of the Grand Prix of Portland. The Team Penske driver used this break to recharge before returning to the track, preparing for the next phase of the challenging 2025 season.
The New Zealand racer began the year as a strong contender, expected to challenge reigning champion Alex Palou for the IndyCar title. Despite early promise, McLaughlin’s campaign has been fraught with difficulties. His best results came early in the season, including a pole position at the opening race in St. Petersburg, which was undone by an early caution, and a lone podium finish at Round 4 in Alabama.
After those initial performances, misfortune seemed to plague both McLaughlin and Team Penske. The month of July was especially tough, starting with a 23rd place finish at Mid-Ohio. McLaughlin showed resilience in Iowa Race 1, recovering from 27th on the grid to finish fourth. However, his momentum was halted by consecutive DNFs in the subsequent Iowa race and in Toronto.
At Laguna Seca, McLaughlin managed to finish in the top ten, placing tenth, before taking some downtime with his wife, Karly Paone, and their daughter Lucy at Hersheypark. The driver shared a photo on Instagram highlighting the family outing at the chocolate-themed amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. McLaughlin and Karly married in 2019 in California, and they welcomed Lucy in October last year.
McLaughlin’s focus now shifts to the Grand Prix of Portland, set for August 8 to 10. He has a strong track record at Portland International Raceway, consistently finishing within the top ten during his four appearances since debuting in the series in 2021. His 2022 victory there remains a standout achievement in his IndyCar career.
McLaughlin’s Thoughts on FOX’s New Stake in IndyCar
In addition to his racing preparations, Scott McLaughlin recently expressed enthusiasm over FOX’s significant investment in the IndyCar series. FOX acquired a 33% share of Penske Entertainment, which owns IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, through a $135 million deal. This development marks a new era for the sport’s broadcasting and commercial growth.
Roger Penske, owner of Penske Corporation, described the purchase as an obvious choice given FOX’s role in growing IndyCar’s viewership in 2025. McLaughlin, who has raced for Penske since his Supercars days, took to X to share his thoughts about the partnership.
“Excited to be apart of this future moving forward!” —Scott McLaughlin, IndyCar driver
The upcoming Grand Prix of Portland will be the first race under this new ownership structure, signaling evolving opportunities for the sport and its participants.
As McLaughlin returns to competition, his time off at Hersheypark provides a glimpse of balance amid a demanding season. With a challenging but promising stretch ahead, including one of his favorite tracks in Portland, the driver aims to turn his 2025 season around while embracing the changes shaping IndyCar’s future.