McLaughlin Leads JMR’s Pro Corvette Entry at Suzuka 1000km
In a significant development for the motorsports community, Scott McLaughlin, a three-time Australian Supercars Champion and 2019 Bathurst 1000 winner, will drive in the Pro category for Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) at the 49th Suzuka 1000km. McLaughlin, currently competing in the IndyCar Series, is set to pilot the #2 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside Corvette Racing teammates Alexander Sims and Nicky Catsburg.
McLaughlin’s participation was confirmed today, following his earlier comments on social media about preparing for the Suzuka Circuit. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the JMR team," he stated. "It’s a bucket-list track for me, and I’m looking forward to learning about the team and the Corvette.”
Sims, who previously secured the Corvette’s first victory in Pan-Asian competition during the GT World Challenge Asia opener, currently leads the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar GTD PRO Championship. He expressed excitement about teaming up with McLaughlin: “It’s a real privilege to share one of JMR’s cars with Scott and Nicky. I believe we have a package that can fight at the front.”
The Pro-Am #99 Corvette will feature Prince Jefri Ibrahim, alongside his brother Abu Bakar and Finnish driver Konsta Lappalainen, a race victor in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup. Jefri Ibrahim emphasized the importance of their lineup, stating, “Having McLaughlin with us will be a great addition. We have three wins already this year, and I’m feeling confident."
Only Catsburg has previous experience in the Suzuka endurance event, having raced in the 2019 Suzuka 10 Hours. "Suzuka in the Corvette is something that I’m massively looking forward to," he remarked.
Corvette Racing Programme Manager Jessica Dane highlighted the significance of JMR’s step into the Pro class, praising their partnerships and the team’s impressive track record this year. “We’re extremely proud of our partnership with JMR and can’t wait to see how both entries perform at Suzuka,” she added.
The race represents a pivotal opportunity for Chevrolet and Corvette to clinch their first win at the Suzuka 1000km, positioning them against top GT competitors in the Intercontinental GT Challenge global stage.
