Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin has crossed another achievement off his bucket list by driving around the home of IndyCar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Days after making his IndyCar debut at the 2020 season finale in St Petersburg, McLaughlin completed his Rookie Orientation Program, which is mandatory for all new drivers who are new to the open-wheel racing category.
McLaughlin completed 88 laps around the historic Indy 500 oval, hitting speeds of around 354km/h - roughly 50km/h faster than what Supercars can reach.
"[That was] incredible," says McLaughlin. "I think IndyCar did a fantastic job with how they had the rookie mileage, and you get your run in up the speeds.
"I felt really comfortable. I think it took me 45 laps to get flat, but I eventually did.
"When you see a 90-degree corner, and you're like, 'No way I can go flat out through there. No way.' Then you just hope that it sticks, and it does. Team Penske has got an awesome package here for me to build up to speed. I know what I've got underneath me, and I'm very lucky in that regard.
"I'm feeling on top of the world right now. I've ticked all my goals, and I can race."
McLaughlin is making a permanent move to IndyCar next year after winning his third consecutive Supercars title.
He will compete alongside fellow Kiwi Scott Dixon, who won his sixth IndyCar championship earlier this week.
