Scott McLaughlin wins Portland; Will Power second, increases points lead entering finale

PORTLAND, Oregon — Scott McLaughlin led a Team Penske rout Sunday at Portland International Raceway, scoring his third victory of the season in a 1-2 finish that moved Will Power one race closer to the NTT IndyCar Series championship.

McLaughlin led 104 of the 110 laps in his third career victory. He trails only Penske teammate Josef Newgarden (five) in most series wins, but an inconsistent season has the New Zealander clinging to a title chance.

McLaughlin goes to the Sunday, Sept. 11 season finale at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway in California ranked fifth in the standings, 41 points behind Power but still mathematically in the hunt.

RESULTS: Where everyone finished at Portland

“We did exactly what we needed to do this weekend, which was win and get maximum points,” McLaughlin told NBC Sports’ Kevin Lee. “We need to keep ourselves in it, and we’re a long shot, but we’ve got a shot.”

Power, meanwhile, had a relatively easy drive but never enough to challenge McLaughlin for the win.

In settling for second, he takes a 20-point lead into the finale over both Newgarden and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon.

“We’re in the best position, we’ve got the best shot, we’ll do the best we can,” said Power, who can clinch the championship by finishing third or better at Laguna Seca.

ONE RACE TO GO.

Five drivers remain in contention for the NTT @INDYCAR SERIES championship. @12WillPower would win the title if he records a top-three finish, regardless of where his competitors finish next weekend at @WeatherTechRcwy Laguna Seca. pic.twitter.com/FiMna3gXGJ

— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) September 4, 2022

Dixon finished third but gained no ground in the title fight; Newgarden dropped from fourth on the restart with 22 laps