Kiwi Supercars champ Scott McLaughlin just missed out on a podium finish in the latest virtual IndyCar Eseries event at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday (NZ time).
McLaughlin finished fourth in what he described as a "good race", bouncing back from last week's disappointment where he crashed out with 10 laps remaining.
The race was won by Formula 1 driver Lando Norris, who was competing in his first virtual IndyCar event, with Pato O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist - Scott Dixon's teammate - rounding out the podium.
Norris overcame a spin after his pit stops, then a challenge from Arrow McLaren rookie Patricio O'Ward.
But in the closing stages of the 32-lap race, Rosenqvist spun out, allowing 20-year-old Norris to overtake.
"It was a tough race especially Patricio chasing me down on new tires at the end," Norris said. "I didn't think I'd get back to the front after that spin."
McLaughlin was pleased with his placing after last week's disappointing result .
"It was a good race," he said in a video posted to Twitter. "I made a couple of mistakes but I stayed on the road."
Fellow Kiwi Dixon finished 11th.
There is one more race next weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which McLaughlin will be part of.
All current IndyCar drivers will be able to compete, including previous virtual winners such as McLaughlin and Norris.
IndyCar suspended its season two days before the March 15 opening race and the Indianapolis 500 has been moved to August.
The series is hoping to start its season June 6 at Texas Motor Speedway.
