McLaughlin to Race JMR Corvette in Suzuka 1000km

Johor Motorsports Racing has announced that Scott McLaughlin will be part of its lineup for next month’s Suzuka 1000km round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

Current Team Penske NTT IndyCar Series star McLaughlin, who is also a three-time title-winner in Australian Supercars, will join factory Corvette drivers Nicky Catsburg and Alexander Sims in JMR’s No. 2 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

The New Zealander takes the place of Jordan Love, who was initially announced to be part of JMR’s first-ever all-Pro lineup for the revived IGTC fixture on Sep. 12-14.

He is no stranger to Corvette GT3 machinery, having been part of the Trackhouse by TF Sport lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona earlier this year.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the JMR team heading to Suzuka for the 1000km,” commented McLaughlin. “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.”

JMR has expanded to a two-car entry for the Suzuka 1000km, with Princes Abu Bakar and Jefri Ibrahim slated to drive the squad’s Pro-Am No. 99 car alongside Finnish driver Konsta Lappainen, who is set for his first outing with the team.

Prince Jefri is contending for this year’s GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS, having won three races with the help of Sims and Ben Green.

Corvette Program Manager Jessica Dane commented: “It’s tremendously exciting to see JMR step up to the Pro class at the Suzuka 1000 with Alexander, Nicky and Scott with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

“They are three world-class drivers and everyone at Corvette Racing is looking forward to watching them go up against the best GT teams and drivers on the Intercontinental GT Challenge global stage.

“JMR’s success with three race wins so far in their first year with the Corvette has been impressive. We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Prince Jefri, Prince Abu Bakar and the whole JMR team, and can’t wait to see how both entries perform at Suzuka.”