Scott McLaughlin battles to Milwaukee runner-up finish in Race 2, lashes out at lapped traffic etiquette
Scott McLaughlin turned a near-disastrous start into one of his best showings of the season at The Milwaukee Mile, executing a bold strategy to lead 28 laps and capture a runner-up result in Race 2. However, the driver of the #3 Team Penske Chevrolet was far more focused on the aggressive defense of backmarkers than his own recovery to finish on the podium. Starting eighth, the 33-year-old ...…
Scott McLaughlin secured a runner-up finish in Race 2 at The Milwaukee Mile, despite a challenging start that nearly resulted in disaster. Starting eighth, the 33-year-old New Zealander battled handling issues before finding his rhythm, leading 28 laps and capturing a podium finish. The turning point came on Lap 147 under caution when McLaughlin opted to stay on the lead lap alongside Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon, a strategic gamble that paid off as he held off the competition.
While the strategy led to his third podium of the 2026 season, McLaughlin expressed frustration with how cars multiple laps down defended against the leaders late in the race. He criticized dirty-air tactics and mirror-driving from non-contending cars, suggesting a need for better racing etiquette rather than rulebook intervention.
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