Scott McLaughlin Eyes Return to Bathurst 1000

The IndyCar star expresses interest in competing at the iconic Australian endurance race once again.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Motorsports

Scott McLaughlin Eyes Return to Bathurst 1000

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Scott McLaughlin has signalled his intent to return to the Bathurst 1000, the event he famously won in 2019 alongside Alexandre Premat. The current Team Penske driver remains interested in the prospect despite his move to the United States in 2020.

Why it matters

A return for McLaughlin would bridge a gap between his successful Supercars tenure and his current career in the IndyCar Series. However, his future participation is complicated by firm commercial obligations and scheduling conflicts between international race calendars.

McLaughlin secured his Bathurst 1000 victory in 2019 and is now focused on his 2027 IndyCar Series campaign, which officially begins on 8 March 2027. He is committed to mandatory post-season testing for Team Penske throughout the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

The players

Scott McLaughlin

He is a professional racing driver currently competing in the United States after a highly successful career in Australian Supercars.

Alexandre Premat

He is a professional race car driver who served as the co-driver for Scott McLaughlin during his 2019 Bathurst 1000 victory.

Team Penske

This is a world-renowned motor racing organisation that currently fields cars for Scott McLaughlin in the IndyCar Series.

The details

While the Bathurst 1000 traditionally falls on the second weekend of October, McLaughlin's primary focus remains his US-based programme, which requires significant time for testing and race preparation. Furthermore, the introduction of the new IR-28 car in 2027 adds another layer of technical commitment to his existing schedule.

2019: Scott McLaughlin won his first Bathurst 1000 title.
End of 2020: McLaughlin moved from Australia to the United States.
Early September: The IndyCar season officially concludes.
Second weekend of October: The traditional timeframe for the Bathurst 1000.
8 March 2027: The start date for the 2027 IndyCar Series.

Season Trajectory

This potential return reflects a broader pattern of international drivers looking to balance commitments between overseas series like the IndyCar Series and traditional Australian endurance events. It highlights the growing challenge of scheduling conflicts for elite drivers navigating multiple global racing calendars.

Any potential participation would hinge on whether McLaughlin can secure a waiver for his Team Penske post-season testing obligations. His availability remains restricted by the proximity of the Bathurst date to the conclusion of the IndyCar season.

The takeaway

McLaughlin's desire to return underscores the enduring prestige of the Bathurst 1000 even for drivers competing at the highest levels of global motorsport. Fans should monitor his future testing schedules for any indications of a shift in his current racing priorities.