McLaughlin continuing to build chemistry with new race engineer Raul Prados

Scott McLaughlin and new race engineer Raul Prados continue to develop positive chemistry in their first year of working together with the No. 3 Team Penske Chevy.

The offseason promotion of race engineer Ben Bretzman, who was elevated to lead the team’s trackside engineering operations, moved Prados over from Penske’s IMSA program to work with the New Zealander, and it’s on the oval side of the relationship where the most progress has been required.

McLaughlin's run to qualify third for Sunday’s 400-mile Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Speedway further reinforced the progress already made by the pair following runs to third at the Indianapolis 500 and fifth on the World Wide Technology Raceway oval.

“It's probably taken a little longer than myself and Raul wanted, but he's come from a championship that's completely different and hasn't been in IndyCar for a long time, so we've just been slowly building up, but it's always been there. Every run, every test that me and Raul get is so vital,” McLaughlin told RACER.

“He’s even come a long way since Phoenix itself as well [where they finished eighth], so it’s just getting him laps and getting him ideas, and he's full of them.”

McLaughlin and Bretzman became a formidable duo in their years together, and as he and Prados continue to turn more laps, the driver sees the No. 3 car trending in the right direction. Capturing their first win together would be a testament to their deepening bond.

“We've been slowly knocking on doors the last little bit to a point where, you know, I think we're doing some quality stuff, although not with the normal winning and whatnot. But I think we're right there, and I have full belief and see the light that we're moving forward where we need to be,” McLaughlin added.

“And ultimately, it’s trying to not only build this year, but I think we're building some really good footstones, similar to what me and Benny had, for the years to come. And that's what's really, really, really exciting.”