Kiwi IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin has claimed his third win in the series at the Grand Prix of Portland today while fellow New Zealander Scott Dixon put on an impressive performance to finish third.
After qualifying on pole yesterday, McLaughlin maintained a strong lead by leading 104 laps of the 110 lap race.
“We did exactly what we needed to do this weekend and that was win and get max points,” he said.
The Kiwi said the win now keeps him and his team in the championship fight even though they may be 41 points off the top position.
“We’re a longshot but I don’t care, we have a shot,” he added.
McLaughlin now sits fifth in the championship standings with 482 points behind Marcus Ericsson on 484.
Scott Dixon also put on a fantastic drive to finish on the podium in third behind championship leader Will Power in second, after the New Zealander started the race in 16th.
“We’re still in the fight,” said Dixon.
He is placed third in the championship standings, tied with Josef Newgarden, and sits 20 points behind Power in the lead.
The NTT IndyCar Series wraps up next weekend at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on September 11 where the Kiwi drivers will be giving it their all to become the 2022 champion.