Motorsports: Scott McLaughlin ‘skims the wall’ in Indycar debut

Kiwi driver Scott McLaughlin had some trouble getting used to Indycar style during his first qualifying.

The three-time Supercars champion is competing in the series finale in Florida before moving full-time next year.

McLaughlin was unable to advance to the second stage of qualifying and touched a wall briefly during his career.

McLaughlin said there are many lessons out there.

“Unfortunately, I’m not making excuses, but we just need a little more time and we’ll be fine, but I’m disappointed in myself, but it is what it is,” McLaughlin said.

“It’s very intimidating when it comes to having a test in the Indycar, learning the space around you as well. I’m used to hitting mirrors on the walls in Australia, not necessarily a tire, but we’re pushing to find the limits in a quick move forward … it’s been an amazing initiation and we’ll just go back and try again. “

The 27-year-old decided to leave the Supercars arena in 2021 to take a full-time driving position in next year’s Indycar Series, driving for Team Penske and completing the team’s four-car full season lineup.

McLaughlin leaves the Supercars arena fourth on the all-time win list with 56 career wins, and second on the all-time list with 76 pole positions in just eight full racing seasons.

McLaughlin will join former Indycar series champions Josef Newgarden, Will Power and Simon Pagenaud in Team Penske’s 2021 Indycar lineup, with the 2021 season beginning in March.