Scott McLaughlin took a dominant victory in the final race of the 2026 IndyCar season at Laguna Seca, ending a 35-race winless streak. It was also Team Penske's 312th IndyCar Series win, providing a significant morale boost heading into the offseason.
Team President Jonathan Diuguid emphasized the importance of ending the season on a high note. "It's definitely nice to win the last race of the year," he said. "We just have to figure out how to win some more in the middle. We had a crucial test at Mid-Ohio for our organization. Today was proof in the pudding, showed up with good cars, got the pole and the race win."
The 2026 season was challenging for Penske, with only three wins. However, all three drivers finished in the top eight in the championship, a marked improvement from last season when Will Power was the best in ninth. "I think as an organization we're definitely heading the right direction," Diuguid added. "Our performance has been strong. Like Scott mentioned, it's all about execution. Winning the last race is definitely the last memory in everybody's mind. It's very positive for the team and the shop."
McLaughlin's dominance at Laguna Seca demonstrated that Penske is now competitive on road courses, street courses, and ovals. "That's what it takes to be competitive in the championship," Diuguid stated. "Real excited for 2027 already. We'll definitely celebrate this win, it's an important one for the team."
With an unchanged driver lineup for next season—McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, and David Malukas—Penske aims to carry the momentum forward and challenge for the title. The Laguna Seca win serves as proof that the team's hard work has paid off.
For McLaughlin, the victory is a testament to his patience and the team's progress. Now, focus shifts to 2027, where Penske intends to return to the top.
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