Jake Parsons had to dig deep on the streets of Toronto to clinch his second podium of the Pro Mazda Championship season this weekend.
“It’s definitely been a challenging weekend, but I’m very proud of the result we achieved. A big thanks to the team for working so hard on preparing the car,” said the young Australian.
Having shown solid pace throughout practice, the 21-year-old series rookie put his impressive mental attitude and preparation to good use, overcoming damage to his car and using an unfamiliar chassis for Saturday’s opening 30 minute race.
“The car felt strange at first, but the team and I worked together to make some changes, so it felt great in qualifying and the race.”
The Juncos Racing driver made a clean start, avoiding the second corner clash that led to a full course yellow. When the race returned to green, Parsons managed his tires with clever, consistent driving, bringing home the #00 car in third position. “It was awesome to be back on the podium again.”
In race two, run early on Sunday morning, Parsons made another good start, jumping to third position on the opening lap. Over the course of the 40 minute race, the 2014 AsiaCup Champion had intense battles with Pato O’Ward and his Juncos teammate, Will Owen, running wheel to wheel with both for several laps, finishing in fifth place.
Speaking about the 1.755mile, 11 turn Toronto circuit, Parsons explained,
“The track is very bumpy, but I didn’t find it physically demanding. I’ve trained so hard with Jim Leo at PitFit Training through the season, which has really helped to guide me through this type of race weekend.”
The Pro Mazda Championship moves on to the undulating Mid-Ohio circuit in two weeks, another challenge the Indianapolis based Aussie is keen to experience.
“I’m really looking forward to the fast, sweeping curves at Mid-Ohio; we will continue to strive for improvements in the car’s stability.”
Rounds 12 and 13 of the Pro Mazda Championship takes place at Mid-Ohio on 29-31 July.
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
