Kiwi motorsport kingpin Scott McLaughlin has flexed his IndyCar muscles on his first full day of testing in Texas.
The reigning Supercars champion was one of 27 drivers to take part in Thursday's (NZ time) run at the Circuit of the Americas.
Just 24 hours removed from a frustrating day when the Bathurst champion only managed a few laps of the track due to inclement weather, McLaughlin finished a remarkable third in the timesheets, behind teammate Will Power.
McLaughlin is set to make his series debut in May at the Indy Grand Prix an all signs point to a permanent move stateside in 2021.
The 26-year-old is clearly enjoying himself but also respects his new and unfamiliar machinery.
"It's hard on your neck and body," McLaughlin said of the open-wheel racer.
"I've been training really hard to get ready for it. I'm really happy with the car so far.
"I felt really comfortable and my seat position is really good. That's ideal because I'm not going to have many times in the car before the Indianapolis Grand Prix."
McLaughlin returns to Australia next week in time for the start of his Supercars defence.
