NTT IndyCar Series driver Scott McLaughlin has added an endurance race to his schedule, one that he calls a bucket list event. He will compete in the Suzuka 1000km on Sept. 14.
According to a Wednesday announcement, the Team Penske driver will join Johore Motorsports Racing team for the endurance event. He will co-drive a Corvette Z06 GT3.R while joining Chevrolet factory drivers Alexander Sims and Nicky Catsburg.
The Suzuka 1000km is part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge schedule. It takes place on the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, a road course that once held NASCAR Cup Series exhibition races.
McLaughlin and his co-drivers will have multiple opportunities to take on the circuit over three days. They will take on test sessions and night practice on Friday, Sept. 12. They will then have pre-qualifying and qualifying sessions on Saturday, Sept. 13.
The Suzuka 1000km will begin at 12:50 local time on Sunday, Sept. 14. McLaughlin and his co-drivers will set out to complete all 1,000 kilometers, which will require them racing around the circuit for a little more than six hours.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the JMR team heading to Suzuka for the 1000km," McLaughlin said. "I've always wanted to race Suzuka and it's a bucket-list track for me. It'll be an exciting race there in the Pro class with my GM friends Nicky Catsburg and Alex Sims, who are two amazing Corvette racers.
"I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot about the team and more about the Corvette, which I haven't raced since Daytona. I can't wait to get back behind the wheel, have a lot of fun, and hopefully come back with some silverware."
McLaughlin, a three-time Supercars champion who moved to IndyCar, is no stranger to endurance racing. He previously won the Bathurst 1000 in 2019. He also competed in this year's Rolex 24 at Daytona while driving a Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch, and Ben Keating. He will now return while taking on the 18-turn, 5.807-kilometer course.