IndyCar: McLaughlin hopes to race a long time in the USA

Scott McLaughlin says his long-term racing future is in the United States, expressing an interest in driving for Team Penske in IndyCar the rest of his career, or maybe even trying a NASCAR race or two.

“I said to my wife during the week, ‘This is where I want to be … there’s no sort of other aspirations,’” McLaughlin told motorsport.com.

“Sure, I’d like to drive some different races, I’d like to test different cars. But, you know, for me, I’m very excited to be a part of this (IndyCar) category moving forward.

“The documentary series that’s coming out, the way that the sport is getting recognized globally, more so now, and especially here in America – it’s on a really good upward trajectory. I really can see myself driving here in America for as long as I can. And that’s exactly what I want to do.

“My goal was always to be here in America. I’ve done what I wanted to achieve in Australia and now it’s about trying to finish up my career in the States.”

Asked if NASCAR was something he might try, McLaughlin stated:

“So it’s one of those deals where NASCAR is definitely something that has been talked about a lot because of my past.

“I’m sure one day if I keep doing the job that I’m doing, opportunities might arise, they might not. But I’m certainly very privileged in the opportunity I’ve got in IndyCar and if nothing else sort of happens after this, that’s fine. I’ve ticked the goals.”

“I love America. I love living here. Like I said, I’ve always wanted to be here and the reason I’ve always wanted to be here, it’s just one of the biggest countries, if not the biggest country in the world.

“It has so much to offer – a great future for my future family, hopefully. My wife is American. I have no doubt in my mind that if I’m here long enough, I’ll probably be a US citizen, and I’ll probably hopefully retire here.”