McLaughlin details preparation for IndyCar debut
Scott McLaughlin is expecting a "whirlwind" four days between the Bathurst 1000 and his IndyCar debut in St. Pete next month.
The Kiwi will make a belated first start in IndyCar at the season finale in Florida, ahead of a rumored full-time switch from Supercars that could happen as soon as next season.
He was set to make his debut at the GMR Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the IMS road course earlier this season, only for that plan to be harpooned by changing schedules in both Supercars and IndyCar due to the pandemic.
While the early finish to the Supercars season has opened the door for the IndyCar cameo for Team Penske, there is little margin for logistical hurdles, with the Bathurst 1000 and the St. Pete race falling on consecutive weekends.
That means McLaughlin will need to leave Sydney on the Monday after the Great Race, ahead of a whirlwind couple of days of prep in Team Penske's home base in North Carolina that will include a fresh seat-fitting due to some weight loss since his limited testing program earlier this year.
"At this point I'm flying over on [the] Monday [after Bathurst]," McLaughlin explained.
"I'll go straight to Mooresville, NC, to the team and see them. I'll probably go through a new seat fit as I've lost weight since [testing]. I'd lost weight before then, and then I've lost more since. So we'll see how it is. I might do another pour.
"They use that seat insert in the simulator that I go to, so I'll spend a day or so in the simulator to learn the track and learn all of the functions again. And then I'll head to St Pete. I don't know when; it will depend on the schedule.
"It's all pretty exciting, it's going to be a whirlwind week. Hopefully I'm not too jet-lagged, because I'll need to get on with it."
McLaughlin added that he's been working on specific physical training focussed on his neck muscles all year, with regular karting sessions helping him prepare for the unique demands of an IndyCar.
"I've been doing that all year, doing some funky stuff [with my neck]," he said.
"The kart is perfect for me. I go karting with Jamie [Whincup] and Will Davison and a few others. It's good fun.
"All that sort of stuff is good, but nothing can really prepare you for the real thing. You can train as much as you can, but until you get match fitness in that car and in that situation, there's really nothing to prepare you for the real thing."
The NTT IndyCar Series finale, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, was postponed from its original mid-March date as the traditional season-opener at the last minute due to impending COVID-19 restrictions. It now serves as the finale, and is set for Sunday, Oct. 25.
The race, held on a 1.8-mile course that includes a runway at Albert Whitted Airport and city streets, was first held in 2003 and has been held every year since ’05. Team Penske has won the race nine times, thanks to Helio Castroneves (3), Will Power (2), Juan Pablo Montoya (2), Ryan Briscoe and Josef Newgarden.
Related video
IMS will allow 10,000 fans each day of IndyCar's Harvest GP
Dreyer & Reinbold enter IndyCar Harvest GP with Karam
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and series sophomore Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a breakout year in the IndyCar Series in 2021, winning twice and finishing sixth in points with Chip Ganassi Racing. How did he finally unlock the potential that was masked by five years of toil in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win
Saturday, Oct. 16th, marks the 10th anniversary Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Jack Harvey’s move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate, but their combined strength could prove golden, says David Malsher-Lopez.
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong résumé and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear. By David Malsher-Lopez.
2021 IndyCar title is just the start for Ganassi's newest star
Alex Palou has captured Chip Ganassi Racing's 14th IndyCar drivers' championship, and in truly stellar manner. David Malsher-Lopez explains what made the Palou-Ganassi combo so potent so soon.
Why Grosjean's oval commitment shows he's serious about IndyCar
One of motorsport’s worst-kept secrets now out in the open, and Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as an Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver in 2022. It marks a remarkable turnaround after the abrupt end to his Formula 1 career, and is a firm indication of his commitment to challenge for the IndyCar Series title
IndyCar’s longest silly-season is still at fever pitch
The 2021 IndyCar silly season is one of the silliest of all, but it’s satisfying to see so many talented drivers in play – including Callum Ilott. David Malsher-Lopez reports.