McLaughlin wins virtual IndyCar event

Scott McLaughlin's real IndyCar debut is on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian V8 SuperCars champion isn't letting that stop him from learning how to virtually drive the cars.

McLaughlin won IndyCar's virtual race from virtual Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, the second race in the series' attempt to create content during the worldwide shutdown of sports.

McLaughlin drives for Roger Penske in Australia and the team owner had planned to give McLaughlin

his series debut in May on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That plan was scrapped when the IndyCar season was suspended last month. The road course race has been tentatively rescheduled for July 4, a date Penske said would be too hectic for McLaughlin to make his debut.

McLaughlin, like NASCAR's seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, was an invited guest by IndyCar to participate in the iRacing Series meant to entertain fans during the stoppage. He had to wake up at 2 a.m. in Brisbane, Australia, to compete on his simulator.

“I started iRacing 10 years ago and it was the best thing I did,” said McLaughlin. “For an aspiring race car driver, it is worth the investment in your future. It's been an awesome tool for me and it's great fun.”

McLaughlin said his rig was not as flashy as some of the big simulators used by the stars and his is actually set for a touring car. It was 6 a.m. at McLaughlin's house when he virtually crossed the finish line.

He beat Team Penske driver Will Power, a fellow Australian who was racing from his home in North Carolina, Scott Speed and IndyCar rookie Alex Palou, on a simulator in Spain.