HE’S ABANDONING US, HE’S NOT DOING IT FOR THE MONEY, HE’S DOING IT FOR THE MONEY!” Scott McLaughlin exploded in response to Penske President Jonathan Diguid after the shock of being excluded from the Rolex 24 Daytona 2026 despite a highly successful November test; in just one day, Diguid offered an explanation that sent shockwaves through the watchmaking community!
The world of endurance racing was rocked this week by a dramatic fallout within one of motorsport’s most powerful organizations.
Scott McLaughlin, the New Zealand star and Team Penske IndyCar driver, unleashed a fiery outburst following the announcement that he would not be part of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s lineup for the 2026 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The Kiwi driver’s pointed words—”He’s abandoning us, he’s not doing it for the money, he’s doing it for the money!”—appeared to target Penske President Jonathan Diguid, encapsulating the frustration felt not just by McLaughlin but potentially by others in the paddock who saw the decision as a betrayal of loyalty in favor of financial or strategic priorities.
The controversy stems from events that unfolded rapidly over the past months. In November 2025, McLaughlin, along with teammate Josef Newgarden, participated in a high-profile IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway in the updated Porsche 963 LMDh prototype.
The session was widely viewed as a stepping stone toward securing seats in the factory Porsche Penske GTP entries for the prestigious season-opening endurance classic.
McLaughlin, making his first foray into the GTP class, described the experience positively, noting he was “having a blast” behind the wheel and expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to race in the premier prototype category.
At the time, Diguid himself described the test as a “first step” toward potentially including the IndyCar drivers in the Rolex 24 lineup.
Newgarden had a proven track record, having contributed to Porsche Penske’s overall victory in the 2024 edition, while McLaughlin brought raw speed and adaptability, having previously competed at Daytona in LMP2 and GTD machinery.
Speculation ran high that the team might expand to four-driver lineups per car, a common strategy in endurance events to manage the grueling 24-hour format. Both drivers publicly voiced their desire to join the program, with McLaughlin stating he would “grab it with both hands” if offered.
However, when IMSA released the provisional entry list in December 2025, the absence of McLaughlin and Newgarden from the Porsche Penske entries became clear. The No. 6 and No.
7 Porsche 963s stuck with three-driver crews: Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, and Laurens Vanthoor in one, and a revamped combination including Nasr with Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich in the other for the defending champions.
The decision meant Porsche Penske would defend its back-to-back overall titles without the additional firepower—or star power—of its IndyCar contingent.
The shock deepened when Diguid provided his justification in early January 2026. He acknowledged the drivers’ competitiveness and their eagerness, stating, “Obviously, Scott’s driven the car and Josef won in Daytona in 2024. They’ve proven that they’re extremely competitive and not lacking for pace.
It’s obviously something both of them have asked to do and stuck their hand up.” Yet he defended the choice to retain the three-driver approach for this specific event, explaining it was a targeted decision rather than a permanent policy.
“I wouldn’t say that’s going to be our approach in perpetuity. It’s just the decision we decided to make for the Daytona 24 Hours this year.”
Diguid further noted that McLaughlin had secured an alternative ride in the GTD class with DXDT Racing, sharing a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R alongside Charlie Eastwood, Mason Filippi, and Salih Yoluc.
He framed this positively, highlighting the alignment with Chevrolet, Team Penske’s IndyCar engine partner, suggesting McLaughlin remained within the broader Penske ecosystem. Newgarden, however, opted not to pursue another program and will sit out the Rolex 24 entirely.
McLaughlin’s explosive reaction came swiftly after Diguid’s comments surfaced. The quote, which quickly circulated through social media and racing forums, captured a sense of abandonment.
By contrasting “not doing it for the money” with “doing it for the money,” McLaughlin seemed to imply that the exclusion prioritized budget constraints, sponsor obligations, or strategic resource allocation over driver development, team loyalty, or competitive edge.
The outburst resonated particularly because McLaughlin has long been a vocal and passionate figure in motorsport, transitioning successfully from Supercars dominance to IndyCar success with Team Penske.
The decision has broader implications for the Rolex 24 field. The 2026 edition, set for January 22-25 at Daytona International Speedway, features a strong 60-plus car grid, including notable crossovers from IndyCar like Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and Will Power in various classes.
Porsche Penske enters as favorites for a third straight overall win and IMSA GTP championship three-peat, but the absence of McLaughlin and Newgarden removes a layer of intrigue and star appeal.
Meanwhile, McLaughlin’s move to DXDT adds depth to the GTD class, where he will compete against a mix of pros and amateurs in one of the most demanding races on the calendar.
This episode highlights the complex interplay between single-seater and sports car programs within large organizations like Penske. While Diguid’s explanation aims to present a pragmatic, event-specific rationale, McLaughlin’s frustration underscores the emotional investment drivers place in opportunities that blend their primary series with prestigious endurance events.
As the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test approaches and the race draws near, the paddock will watch closely to see if this tension lingers or if McLaughlin channels his energy into a strong performance in the Corvette, proving his versatility once again.
The Rolex 24 remains a showcase of endurance, strategy, and raw determination. For McLaughlin, this snub may fuel one of his most motivated outings yet, turning personal disappointment into competitive fire.
Whether Diguid’s call proves wise or costly will only be answered when the checkered flag falls after 24 grueling hours under the Florida sun.
