Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
‘Not like it's my first rodeo’: McLaughlin eyes Indy 500 win
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 20th, 2026 2:52 pm
Scott McLaughlin has sent a strong message to his rivals before Indianapolis 500 qualifying | Photo: AP
Scott McLaughlin hopes to become the second Kiwi to win the Indianapolis 500 and have his face forever embedded in the prestigious and 5ft tall Borg-Warner Trophy.
On Monday, the 32-year-old will start from grid nine in the race regarded as the ‘greatest spectacle in racing’ in his sixth attempt.
“It's not like it's my first rodeo," McLaughlin told Sport Nation Afternoons on Wednesday.
"I feel like I worked really hard on the details and know what I need to do to win this race.”
He believes if his pit crew can master the pitstops and the is set up to perfection, the rest is up to him.
Indy 500 | Photo: Photosport
“We got pole here a couple of years ago and it was one of the biggest accomplishments of my life because it was such a hard thing to do.
“I reckon I can get three off the line pretty easily, so we'll be okay," he laughed.
McLaughlin said he vividly recalls when Dixon, who will start the race 10th, won in 2008, saying it’s something he will never forget as a young go-karter.
“There is only one New Zealander that's ever won this race and that's Scott Dixon. He's a hero of mine.
“I'm very lucky to race against him and I'd love to be the second.”
Scott Dixon received the Borg-Warner trophy after winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2008 | Photo: Photosport
"Anytime I get a chance to say that I'm a Kiwi here in America or just represent the Kiwi flag is a special moment.
“I think we're a country that's always punching above our weight in whatever category that is.
“Whether it's sailing, whether it's rowing, whether it's rugby, we've got some of the best drivers in the world.”
Being one of three Kiwis in a 33-car field with Dixon and Marcus Armstrong, McLaughlin claims the trio have a pretty good chance at victory.
And with a personal best of 6th in the race he’s always dreamed of winning, McLaughlin believes he could be the one kissing the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway come Monday.
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 will commence at 4.45am (NZ time) on Monday, May 25.
Listen to the full interview below:
