Pro Mazda series rookie, Jake Parsons had a strong and consistent first experience of US oval racing, finishing fourth at Lucas Oil Raceway on Friday.

The young Australian said afterwards, “It was awesome to do a race on an oval. We learned so much, I kind of want to do it again now with the experience I’ve gained.”

Parsons, who qualified fourth on grid, showed race winning pace throughout the 90 lap event, often being quickest on the track. Having battled with his Juncos team mate for third, the 21-year-old found passing back markers a real learning curve.

“It’s not until you get right up behind another car that you really feel how the aero work and change. That’s where the experience will help most. I had a former Indycar racer spotting for me, so it was cool, to have someone like that in my ear,” added the 2014 AsiaCup champion.

The #00 car driver is looking forward to running on an oval again later in the season at Iowa now.

“It’s a shame we have a long gap to the next oval. We prepared really well physically and mentally for this race. I found it quite easy to keep focused, so I’m looking forward to putting that together with the things I have learned here.”

Rounds eight and nine of the Pro Mazda Championship take place at Road America on June 24-26. Follow the action live on www.roadtoindy.tv with commentary, timing and video. You can find more information and full results on the Pro Mazda Championship at www.promazdachampionship.com

2016 PRO MAZDA CALENDAR

March 11-13 – Round 1 & 2 – Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg, St Petersburg, FL

April 22-24 – Round 3 & 4 – Grand Prix of Alabama – Barber, AL

May 12-14 – Round 5 & 6 – Grand Prix of Indianapolis – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IN

May 27 – Round 7 – Night Before the 500 – Lucas Oils Raceway, Indianapolis, IN

June 24-26 – Round 8 & 9 – Grand Prix of Road America – Elkhart Lake, WI

July 10 – Round 10 – Iowa Speedway, IA

July 15-17 – Round 11 & 12 – Grand Prix of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CA

July 29-31 – Round 13 & 14 – Grand Prix of Mid Ohio, Lexington, OH

September 9-11 – Round 15 & 16 – Grand Prix of Monterey, Laguna Seca, CA