After taking honours in LMP2 at the Sebring 12 Hour, Scott McLaughlin credited iRacing for the class win and getting third overall.
Image credit: BMW Group press site
This weekend’s Sebring 12 Hours saw a dramatic finish in the top class with three leading cars crash out in the final minutes. But what was almost more impressive was the end of the LMP2 battle. Australian Supercars ace and recent newcomer to IndyCar racing Scott McLaughlin took part in his second ever sportscar endurance race, coming out with a class win.
Despite battles against more experienced rivals dicing through GT traffic, the New Zealander brought his team car to the chequered flag in first place in-class. Furthermore, the top-class crash dropping three GTP cars out of the race put the Tower Motorsports car on the overall podium.
After jumping on the podium with his teammates and spraying the champagne, Scott McLaughlin credited iRacing for the Sebring win.
iRacing gets credit for Sebring win
Taking to Twitter after the race, Scottie Mac praised iRacing for teaching him the ropes of multiclass racing. Differently to the single-class series like IndyCar and Supercars, IMSA features several car classes all racing on the same track. This means faster cars have to deal with slower traffic all while fighting for class position.
Keeping an eye on the fastest way through the pack all while racing your rivals is a difficult aspect to get used to. But thanks to numerous hours on iRacing, the New Zealander ace was able to get up to speed quickly.
In fact, it’s his experience in online multiclass races that lead the Sebring 12 Hour winner to credit iRacing for the authenticity. In the tweet, he explains how similar the traffic patterns are between races in iRacing and the real event. He goes on to recommend that younger drivers use the game as a tool to practice for this very thing.
It’s not until drivers reach the heights of Le Mans Cup or the Michelin Pilot Series that they can experience multiclass action in the metal. So practicing this unique aspect of endurance racing from an early age surely gives an excellent advantage.
In general, simracing is a great way for younger racers to practice for the real thing. Whilst the actual driving may not always fully represent getting behind the wheel of a race car, the way cars interact with one another is where the true simulation lies. Those aspiring drivers can certainly improve their race craft by jumping in an online server and dicing with fellow simracers.
What aspects of simracing do you think are most transferable to the real world? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
