In the future, we all expect Scott McLaughlin to end up a racing in the USA. So part of last week’s announcement was no surprise while the other part could be described as out-of-left-field. McLaughlin will test a Team Penske IndyCar at the Sebring International Raceway on Monday 13 January 2020. Wow, we didn’t expect him to drive a single seater again!
The double Australian Supercars champion has limited single seater experience, switching to tin-tops early in his career. So why at 26 years of age would team owner Roger Penske consider having him jump into the top America single seater category?
Well, besides it being a fabulous marketing exercise, it keeps the Australasian media tongues wagging, why not? McLaughlin’s racing future is clearly in America and Team Penske continue to be at the top of all the key categories so why not consider everything available on the table. Why not look at every opportunity.
Four-times Bathurst 1000 Supercars driver and winner of the 1994 NZ Grand Prix (Formula Brabham Reynard 90D Holden) Greg Murphy sees that McLaughlin will impress.
“I have no doubt that he will impress,” Murphy commented. “Team Penske has the resources and opportunities. McLaughlin has all the right people around him to extract the best and give him the right tools.
“Potentially the biggest challenge is going to be the G force on his neck. It will be a new experience, and managing the effort is required. They are a powerful car with a lot of downforce and a huge amount of lateral grip. Getting used to the horsepower and the cornering speed won’t be a problem, but it may be his body that is in for a bit of shock.
“I’m envious, it is what I would have wanted to do. I believe he can drive anything and still be quick. McLaughlin is a fast learner and a quick adapter and he will find success sooner rather than later and he will absolutely love it.
“He is not with a low resourced outfit. He’s with Team Penske and they have all the tools in the tool box for him to learn. Often motorsport comes down to the team and equipment, both are so important for success. It is going to be awesome. “
Bring it on!
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