McLaughlin amazed by 350km/h oval test

Supercars star Scott McLaughlin has lapped up his latest breathtaking motorsport experience, completing a rookie IndyCar oval test in Texas.

The 26-year-old continued his week of open-wheel mileage with Team Penske by heading to Texas Motor Speedway, about 350km north of the Circuit of the Americas venue where he starred in a full-field test.

The speedway outing gave McLaughlin his first taste of an oval track – and it’s not one he’s about to forget.

“The last week testing IndyCars with Team Penske in Texas has been like a dream,” he said.

“Adapting to the car has been a major adjustment for me. The sensation of speed in these cars is just incredible.”

McLaughlin was in awe of the top speeds reached around the 2.4km course.

“I logged more than 150 laps, and did 222mph. That is over 350km/h!” he said.

“My out lap was well and truly the fastest I've ever gone in a race car in my life.

“It's an amazing feeling. You need to be so precise.”

McLaughlin will be back in the States for his IndyCar race debut in the GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis in May, but for now returns to Australia in preparation for his Supercars title defence with Ford giant Shell V-Power Racing.

“Thanks again so much to everyone at Team Penske and especially to Roger Penske for putting his faith in me,” he said.

“Now I head back home to start my Supercars title defence in Adelaide. Bring it on!" 

McLaughlin will take part in the BP Ultimate SuperTest on Tuesday at Tailem Bend ahead of the season-opening Superloop Adelaide 500 from Thursday to Sunday.