Three-time champion Scott McLaughlin's exit from the Supercars competition has been confirmed with Team Penske announcing they will not be returning for the 2021 championship season.
McLaughlin landed in the US following last weekend's Bathurst 1000 race, with the 27-year-old to make his IndyCar debut this weekend in St.Petersburg.
Team Penske has confirmed McLaughlin will make the permanent switch to the format however racing in the team's four-car lineup for the 2021 NTT IndyCar series.
McLaughlin is viewed as one of Supercars' greatest ever drivers and departs ranked fourth on the series all-time winners list with 56 career victories.
“I’m so excited for the opportunity to take the next step in my career and compete against some of the best drivers in the world in the INDYCAR SERIES,” said McLaughlin.
“The last four years racing for DJR Team Penske has been amazing. I want to thank every single person on the team, and everyone that has helped me reach this point in my career.
"I wouldn’t be in a position to continue to chase my dream without the hard work of so many people along the way.
"I’m looking forward to the challenge of joining one of the most iconic motorsports programs of all time – Team Penske’s INDYCAR team. I wish the 2021 season would begin tomorrow.”
We can't wait. 🔥#INDYCAR | @smclaughlin93 | @ShellStationsUS pic.twitter.com/RVuHBVC7YD
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) October 21, 2020
McLaughlin's announcement follows that of Team Penske, with the organisation ending a six-year partnership with Dick Johnston Racing former in 2015 that delivered six championships and three successive driver's titles with McLaughlin at the wheel.
“We have enjoyed an incredible six seasons competing in the Supercars series with DJR Team Penske,” said Roger Penske.
“Partnering with Dick Johnson and Ryan Story to form DJR Team Penske was an incredible experience that produced success on the track and in the boardroom.
"We have built so many lasting partnerships and friendships, and competing in Supercars has certainly helped strengthen our brand and our business in Australia and New Zealand.
"Unfortunately, with the challenges we have faced in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to readjust our business initiatives for 2021 and beyond.
"We want to thank Dick Johnson, Ryan Story, Fabian Coulthard and all of our team members for their hard work and dedication as we reestablished a championship organization together over the last six years.
"I know that Dick, Ryan and the team will continue to build on that success moving forward.”
