Scott McLaughlin is the only Team Penske driver who wasn't sent to the rear of the field as the attenuator on his No. 3 Chevrolet was not modified like the sister cars. However, that does not mean the New Zealander has had a much better week than teammates Josef Newgarden and Will Power.
McLaughlin's race strategist and team general manager Kyle Moyer was among those let go by Roger Penske this week. Ben Bretzman will take his place on the pit box for the 500. Additionally, McLaughlin had the unfortunate experience of going airborne in a heavy crash during practice on Sunday morning before qualifying. As a result, he will start tenth in a backup car.
