Scott McLaughlin was pretty excited after claiming his first career victory in the NTT IndyCar Series at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
In season-opening race, the 28-year-old New Zealander held off the constant charge of reigning series champion Alex Palou to pull off the win. Whether it was elation or exhaustion – probably both – McLaughlin was sent tumbling just moments after jumping out of his No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet to celebrate with his team.
Overcome with excitement!@smclaughlin93 takes a tumble in victory lane after his first NTT @INDYCAR SERIES win. pic.twitter.com/JVuN3x02rG
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) February 27, 2022
He’s new here.#INDYCAR // #FirestoneGP pic.twitter.com/P2lkxUhPj7
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) February 27, 2022
The next stop for the NTT IndyCar Series is March 20 at Texas Motor Speedway, the site where McLaughlin scored his first-ever podium with a runner-up finish as a rookie last year.