McLaughlin thanks team for quick repairs after crash in final Barber practice

For the second race in a row, a Team Penske driver has crashed in the practice session prior to qualifying, required a move to a backup car, and gone straight into time trials without the benefit of feeling out the replacement car before going on the attack.

At the Arlington Grand Prix, it was Josef Newgarden who had a light hit that punctured the tub on the No. 2 Chevy and starred in qualifying to make it into the Firestone Fast 12 and take 11th on the grid.

It was teammate Scott McLaughlin’s turn to jump into qualifying with a spare car, this time after a frightening crash at Barber Motorsports Park, and while he wasn’t able to crack the Fast 12, his new No. 3 Chevy was strong as he missed the transfer spot by just 0.0142s.

“First off, massive thanks to the Odyssey Battery Chevy team,” said McLaughlin, who will start 14th. “I put us behind with the big shunt in practice and these guys just always answer the bell. Can’t thank them enough for their hard work. It was great just to be able to get out for qualifying and if we are in the first group I think we sail through. Really proud of the effort.”