The opening IndyCar round of the season at St. Petersberg saw Scott McLaughlin take a maiden pole position and race win.
The three-time Supercar champion began his second season in the series with a dominant win at the street circuit.
The move to the open-wheel category was difficult for the Kiwi who had just taken his third title in the Supercars championship when he moved to America.
McLaughlin took his first win in the Supercar championship just six races into his first full-time season in the series, going on to finish 10th in the points standings that season.
When making the step up into the Supercars championship the Kiwi had previous experience in similar cars, having just won the Dunlop series. While McLaughlin had limited open-wheel experience when he made his debut in the Indycar championship.
After taking his first win in the IndyCar championship McLaughlin spoke to IndyCar Weekly with Jack Harvey about the difference between his first IndyCar win and his first in the Supercar series.
“I think I went probably through more adversity and more ups and downs the IndyCar side,” McLaughlin told IndyCar Weekly.
“I was in completely different parts of my career, right now I mean if I had the experience I did in supercars that I do now in IndyCar I think maybe my driving style was more suited for the Supercar.
“Then having to change it all for the IndyCar and then doing what we’ve done in IndyCar, I mean to have a win already now just to start the second year is pretty special.
“If I am being honest you believe you can do it but it certainly has come earlier than expected and I’m really proud of that, it hasn’t been from a lack of trying and I just want more of it now.”
The IndyCar championship will get back on track at Texas Motor Speedway March 20.
Main image: Chris Jones
