MOTORSPORT: McLaughlin 11th in IndyCars
Aussie Supercars champ notches up solid result in FloridaScott McLaughlin started 14th and finished 11th as he continued his cautious approach to his rookie season of IndyCar racing on the streets of St Petersburg in Florida on the weekend.
The reigning Australian Supercars champ survived a torrid contest over 100 hot and humid laps in a race won by youngster Colton Herta, as McLaughlin’s Team Penske buddies Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud claimed the minors.
“Solid race from our end. I was probably a little bit too safe at the start, just trying to keep my front wing on,” says McLaughlin.
“It was pretty forceful out there and a lot of the veterans around me were probably using a bit more of their experience on colder tyres.”
His crew gambled on an alternate strategy for the race, but it was nullified by several spins including one by NASCAR legend – and McLaughlin’s fellow IndyCar rookie – Jimmie Johnson.
“We actually pitted at the right time. We were on a very alternate strategy that almost could have put us in the lead,” McLaughlin says.
His result meant he was the first rookie home, two places ahead of F1 refugee Romain Grosjean with Johnson only 22nd.
“Finishing P11 is a great run for us. We’ll continue to build on that,” he says.
“For me, right now, it’s continuously finishing races. Hopefully come the end of the year we’re bigger, better and stronger. I’m excited for the next few races.”
The IndyCar season continues next weekend with an oval double-header at Texas Motor Speedway.
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