IndyCar News: McLaughlin tops opening practice at Laguna Seca

Team Penske Chevy driver Scott McLaughlin turned a lap of 1m07.6325s to top opening practice for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

“Pretty good day in the Good Ranchers Chevy,” McLaughlin said. “The car was pretty hooked up from the get-go, and it really got on reds (Firestone alternate tires) when we turned it on. The track’s getting faster and faster, and I think it’s sort of coming to our car a little bit. More to come tomorrow.”

Colton Herta was 2nd for Andretti Global, just 0.0991s behind McLaughlin.

Alex Palou was 3rd with a lap of 1m07.7371s in his No 10 DHL Honda.

McLaughlin’s teammate, Josef Newgarden was fourth with a time of 1m07.8805s.

“It’s quicker than it feels,” Newgarden said of the track. “It does feel like a lot less grip, but the lap time is not that bad compared to last year. So, it’s still really fast, but you’re tiptoeing more. Last year, the thing just felt like it was stuck on the track.”

Pietro Fittipaldi rounded out the top five with a lap of  1m08.0025s.

Numerous drivers ran out of talent and spun or ventured off track while working to adjust to the lower levels of grip on the track this year compared to 2023 when the fresh asphalt offered more traction.

Colton Herta

Andretti Global’s Colton Herta is a two time winner at this track.  Last year, the surface was brand new here and the American was asked how the track has changed.

“I would say the grip maybe went down a little bit, but it still seems to be there. I think you might have a tiny bit more tire deg, but very minor changes. It seems like the repave has held up nicely over the year.”

“That’s good to see that they did a really good job doing it.”

“This place is really, really tough. It is a true driver’s track. To get the most out of the car and a lap around here, it takes every bit of skill and focus.”

The newest Arrow McLaren driver in the No 6 entry,  Nolan Siegel was at the bottom of the timing chart.

Practice 1 Results