FIVE MINUTES WITH MATT PLEBAN FROM TEAM PENSKE
Catching up with Team Penske truck driver and team member for Scott McLaughlin’s IndyCar campaign, Matt Pleban
Matt Pleban during IndyCar testing at Sebring Raceway yesterday
The NTT IndyCar Series has soared in popularity in recent years, with an incredible field of drivers and the eyes of the world on every race weekend as ex-Formula 1, NASCAR, Supercars and sportscar drivers line up to take on the North American open wheel establishment.
One of the biggest outfits in IndyCar is Team Penske; the gasoline-fueled ambition of ultra-successful American racer and businessman, Roger Penske. The Mooresville, North Carolina team has won the Indianapolis 500 a staggering 18 times, backed up by five NTT IndyCar Series titles and 221 race wins.
Last year, three-time Supercars champion and fan-favourite driver Down Under, Scott McLaughlin, packed his bags and left Australia to contest his debut IndyCar season for Team Penske. The Kiwi made an immediate impression on track, winning Rookie of the Year among esteemed company and finishing runner-up in his first ever race on an oval track.
McLaughlin is supported by an ultra-professional #3 team within the Team Penske IndyCar stable, including truck driver and crew member, Matt Pleban. An established member of the Team Penske operation, Matt is gearing up for another season behind the wheel of one of the team’s Freightliner Cascadia race transporters.
Matt was kind enough to spare some time during his off-season to field our questions about his indispensable role in Scott McLaughlin’s IndyCar journey.
Trucks at Tracks: G’day, Matt! Can you please tell us a little bit about your background and where the interest in all things automotive came from?
Matt Pleben: “I was born in raised in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. My interest in racing definitely came from my father, uncle and grandparents at a young age. My great uncle worked at Pocono Raceway for many years and some of my earliest memories are going up to the track with my dad to visit him, hang out and get rides around the track in whatever pace car was available that day. I remember he would stop the car at the start/finish line, roll up every window except the driver’s window and crank the heat to best simulate what it was like in a race car. We’d then go for a flying lap around the track. I picked up automotive in high school and the reality of what I could do within the industry as well as the sport snowballed from there.”
TaT: How did you get into motorsport? And what was the first transporter you drove?
MP: “It all started with a friend's Facebook post. I clicked on a guy’s profile he knew and noticed he raced a spec Mazda Miata. I sent my friend a message to put me in contact with the gentleman, John Costello, and he was nice enough to invite me out to the track and give me my first taste of what a race weekend was like.
“From that weekend, I met two gentlemen named Chris Rallo and Spencer Taylor, who both gave me my first experiences of working on race cars on a fairly consistent basis in SCCA and NASA. I owe those two a lot for where I am today.
“As far as driving a transporter goes, my first big break came from a family friend, Greg Sorber, who currently drives Ryan Blaney’s hauler in the NASCAR Cup Series. Greg called one day on my way home from work and said, ‘Hey, Penske is looking for truck drivers, you want a job?’ So I took the leap. I didn't have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at the time. Penske took care of that for me and the first time I drove a truck to a race weekend was in 2017 for the spring Texas Xfinity race.”
Matt’s usual ride to the race track
TaT: What’s your favourite trip of the year on the IndyCar schedule and why?
MP: “For the longest time it was Road America. Wisconsin is one of the nicest areas of this country. But last year, we went to Nashville for the first time and I think that tops it. I'm a huge music buff so I was in awe of the sheer amount of live music you can see any time of day. Also, being from the northeast, I always loved going to Watkins Glen when it was still on our schedule.”
TaT: What’s your favorite part of the job?
MP: “My favorite part of the job is just being a part of it all. The atmosphere of a race weekend is something everyone should experience in their life, even if racing isn't your thing. It's also great being with such a great group of guys, as well as truly feeling like the hard work you put in has a positive effect on the results overall. It's a very satisfying feeling.”
TaT: What's the best part about working for Team Penske?
MP: “The Penske name is so synonymous with racing, and to be a small part of Roger's legacy is really something special. Pair that with the expertise and experience that everyone has working there. It's just a great deal overall and it's a nice feeling knowing that you always have a chance to win when you show up at the track.”
Scott McLaughlin’s IndyCar transporter at Texas Motor Speedway last year
TaT: Can you please tell us about the truck you’re driving now?
MP: “Absolutely. It's a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia with a 600hp Detroit DD16 engine. The truck is extremely comfortable, reliable, smooth and has zero issues getting over any terrain we may encounter. It really is the perfect combination for what we need to accomplish.”
TaT: Do you have any favourite moments from your career?
MP: “My favorite moment has to be winning the 2019 IMSA championship as a fueler with Acura Team Penske. That whole program was a blast to be a part of and to capture something like that while going over the wall was an achievement I'll never forget.
”Another special moment was finishing 2nd at Texas with Scott McLaughlin last year. You might say, ‘a 2nd place finish? Really?’ But that was such a huge accomplishment at the time for Scott, being his very first oval start. Everyone was over the moon and it was a turning point in a rookie season where assurance was delivered that we're going to be just fine with Scotty behind the wheel.”
TaT: Scott McLaughlin is one of the biggest names in motorsport Down Under. What impressed you most about Scott in his rookie season?
MP: “Scott as a person is so impressive. He puts everything and everyone on his shoulders. He treats his guys well and with respect, which we can't appreciate enough. He had a huge undertaking last year with it being his first year in open wheel competition and he blew our expectations out of the water. I know it was tough on him not being able to pull out his first win, but there is no doubt in my mind that once he finds the top step of the podium, it's going to open a floodgate to many more wins.”
Scott McLaughlin’s #3 Chevrolet IndyCar at Long Beach in 2021
TaT: What advice would you give to somebody wanting to get into IndyCar transporter driving?
MP: “You just have to take the leap and go for it. A CDL in racing is worth its weight in gold. Attitude and work ethic is everything. It's absolutely worth it to start small and work your way up. Volunteer, get your name out there, and be a sponge for the knowledge that people are willing to give. As long as you possess the qualities I mentioned, opportunities will arise.”
TaT: What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
MP: “I think 2022 is going to be a great season for all of us on the #3 car. I look forward to seeing just how good Scott can be now that he has actually driven all the tracks on the schedule and hopefully open those floodgates I mentioned earlier.”
The 2022 NTT IndyCar Series is just 12 days away, with the teams currently working day and night to prepare for the season opener in St Peterburg, Florida on February 27. That’ll be a trip of just over 600 miles for Matt and his fellow Team Penske hauler drivers next week.
Another big thank you to Matt for taking the time for this interview during his break. We wish Matt, Scott, and the #3 squad the best for the 2022 IndyCar season.
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