Motorsport: Scott McLaughlin in dreamland, after IndyCar oval-track debut

  • 17/02/2020

Kiwi Scott McLaughlin wants more, after experiencing his first taste of oval-track racing in Texas.

The two-time defending Supercars champion clocked the fastest top speed of his career on Sunday (NZ time), powering a Penske IndyCar around the Texas Motor Speedway.

McLaughlin was making the final stop of his open-wheel adventure, as he prepares for his IndyCar championship debut in May at Indianapolis. 

The 26-year-old stunned many observers last week, finishing third among 27 seasoned drivers in his first full IndyCar test, also in Texas. 

But the Kiwi's first lap on an oval circuit will live in his memory, as he heads home to prepare for his Supercars title defence.

"I logged more than 150 laps and did 222mph," McLaughlin told Supercars.com. "That is more than 350km/h. 

"My out lap was well and truly the fastest I've ever gone in a racecar in my life.

"It's an amazing feeling. You need to be so precise."

Motorsport: Scott McLaughlin in dreamland, after IndyCar oval-track debut
Photo credit: Supercars

McLaughlin was in awe of the high-speed 2.4km oval at Fort Worth that has 24-degree banking in turns three and four. 

But McLaughlin may not return to oval racing for some time, with his only scheduled IndyCar race being the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, which is run on the road course, three weeks before the Indy 500. 

McLaughlin has been linked to a permanent move to the United States in 2021, when he would join Roger Penske's famous team. 

But for now, a buzzing McLaughlin is focused on this weekend's Supercars opener in Adelaide. 

"The last week testing IndyCars with Team Penske in Texas has been like a dream," he said.

"Adapting to the car has been a major adjustment for me. 

"The sensation of speed in these cars is just incredible. Thanks again so much to everyone at Team Penske and especially to Roger Penske for putting his faith in me.

"Now I head back home to start my Supercars title defence in Adelaide. Bring it on!"