Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin admits his IndyCar debut this week in the United States is one of the biggest challenges of his motorsport career.
The New Zealander flew to the US on Monday , a day after the Bathurst 1000, and has been scrambling to acclimatise in the lead-up to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida on Sunday.
“I just want to do every lap I can, do every pit stop I can,” McLaughlin said.
“It’s a massive learning thing.
“I’ll drive the car as fast as I can within my comfort level – but my comfort level will be a lot lower than some.
“I’m fully expecting this will be the toughest challenge of my career, but I’m looking forward to it.”
McLaughlin’s shot at an IndyCar race had to be put on hold earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having impressed in pre-season tests, McLaughlin was set for a debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in May.
Instead, the New Zealander stayed in Australia and claimed a third-straight Supercars title for DJR Team Penske.
Although the Ford star is adamant he will be back to defend his Supercars title in 2021, the possibility of a permanent switch to the US should he impress on the weekend won’t go away.
McLaughlin said if he does quit his Supercars drive to take up an overseas opportunity it will be with no regrets.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to achieve,” the 27-year-old said.
“I wanted to win at Bathurst and a championship. Thankfully I won three championships and one Bathurst.
“If it did come to the point where I was moving on from Supercars I would be satisfied.”
McLaughlin will get his first taste of the 2.9km St. Petersburg street circuit on Saturday (0155 Sunday AEDT) with practice and then qualifying.
The 100-lap season finale will begin on Sunday (0530 Monday AEDT).