Motorsport: Kiwi Scott McLaughlin coy on Supercars future after third successive championship

Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin insists he's focused on winning next month's season finale at Bathurst and not about his future in the sport. 

On Sunday, McLaughlin was confirmed as the 2020 Supercars champion, holding an unassailable points lead heading to Mount Panorama.

The biggest race in Supercars on October 18 is expected to be McLaughlin's swansong, as he's widely tipped to move to the US next year and compete alongside Scott Dixon in the IndyCar championship. 

The 27-year-old will make his debut in the American open-wheel series with Team Penske at its finale in St Petersburg, Florida, a week after competing at Bathurst. 

McLaughlin has been open and honest in the past about his desire to move to the US, after achieving almost everything in Supercars.  

But competing in IndyCars is the last thing on McLaughlin's mind, as he wants to end the season in style with a second Bathurst crown. 

"I'm not sure yet," McLaughlin says, when asked of his plans for 2021. "At the end of the day, for me, all the focus is on the end of the year.

"I've got a contract for next year with DJR Team Penske, but you've got to take your opportunities when they come, and we'll just wait and see.

"But right now, I'm fully focused on Bathurst and can't wait to get there. I'm going to hang it out at the Mountain... just have a crack.

"This race is going to be out of control."

McLaughlin says he doesn't expect to dominate in his IndyCars debut, but can't wait to get out on the track. 

"I'm realistic about it. I've seen the schedule, and it looks like there'll only be one practice and then qualifying.

"Obviously, I'll have some simulator days beforehand, but I'm realistic about it. It's a world-class series with world-class drivers - it's going to be hard.

"But I'm very lucky that I'm going into a team that's probably the benchmark team in the sport, barring Ganassi.

"I'm jumping in with the top drivers [at Team Penske] as well, so I've got all their set-ups, all their data and help on that. I'm grateful for that and looking forward to the opportunity."

With three races remaining in the 2020 IndyCar season, Kiwi Dixon is favourite to win his sixth championship, holding a 76-point lead atop the standings.