First-ever pole position, first-ever IndyCar win for Scott McLaughlin.
That's how the day went for the New Zealander at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, as the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series got under way.
The 28-year-old started the race from the No. 1 spot after earning the pole position, and although he briefly slipped out of the lead McLaughlin eventually found his way back to the front of the pack.
A prolific driver on the Supercars circuit in Australia and New Zealand over nearly a decade, McLaughlin jumped to IndyCar in 2021 and got onto the podium in his third race. However, that would be the high mark of his rookie season, as he finished outside of the top 10 more often than not, en route to a 14th-place finish in the driver's standings.
A new season means a new opportunity, however, and McLaughlin seized the fresh start with both hands in the first IndyCar race of the year.
"I miss my mom and dad dearly — I wish you guys were here. What a day," McLaughlin told NBC Sports moments after taking the checkered flag.
"Love you Australia, New Zealand. I miss you guys."