Scott McLaughlin confirmed for debut in America's greatest endurance race with IndyCar teammate
Scott McLaughlin is set to expand his racing program in 2023 with a cameo in America's greatest endurance race, the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The three-time IndyCar Series race winner will partner Team Penske teammate Josef Newgarden in the iconic twice-around-the-clock event.
The pair will race a V8-powered Oreca 07 with Tower Motorsports in the second-tier LMP2 division at Daytona International Speedway on January 29-30.
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They'll be joined by Barbados-born driver Kyffin Simpson and this year's LMP2 champion John Farano.
Scott McLaughlin races for Team Penske in the IndyCar Series. Chris Owens
It marks the first time McLaughlin has competed in either the endurance race or in an LMP2 car.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to race with this amazing group of drivers," said McLaughlin.
"This is a stellar line-up and a perfect chance to show what we can do together.
"This is a proven crew that clearly knows how to win races, and that's exactly what we're setting out to accomplish at Daytona."
First held in 1962 as a three-hour event, the endurance race is famed for the Rolex Daytona watch that each class winner receives.
The Tower Motorsports entry pictured at Sebring Interntional Raceway in 2022. Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The race has been won outright by three New Zealanders before, namely Chris Amon in 1967, Steve Millen in 1994, and Scott Dixon who won it three times in 2006, 2015, and 2020.
"This is definitely an event that was on my bucket list, along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so I am beyond grateful for this opportunity," said Newgarden.
"We're a group of very competitive people, and we all want to win.
"I think this is a very exciting challenge and I believe this team can accomplish great things together.
"I have a close relationship with Scott as well and I couldn't be happier to be doing this with him as teammates."
Chris Amon became the first New Zealander to win the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967 driving for Ferrari. ISC Archives/CQ-Roll Call Group
Tower Motorsports returns to Daytona seeking more success.
This year, they claimed third in class in the race and won the LMP2 title in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Whether McLaughlin contests more events in next year's IMSA SportsCar Championship remains to be seen.
An opening may be forthcoming at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 19 and later in the year at Petit Le Mans on October 15.
