Series rookie Jake Parsons produced another strong and consistent race weekend during rounds 12 and 13 of the Pro Mazda Championship at Mid-Ohio, with only an unfortunate puncture curtailing his challenge for another podium finish.

The young Australian showed good pace on the undulating 13-turn road course, qualifying on the second row of the grid for the first of two races to be held on Saturday.

“We had a nice, consistent run in race one, managing the tires well and bringing it home in fourth,” said the Juncos driver.

Parsons, who has been training hard with Jim Leo at PitFit back in Indianapolis, was well prepared physically and mentally for the longer, second race of the day, held late in the afternoon, in changeable conditions.

Having made some adjustments to his car, the 21-year-old started race two in fourth position, cleverly avoiding contact in the hectic opening lap jostling. After only a few laps the rain that had threatened from the green flag became heavy enough to create a full course yellow, following a spin lower down the field.

On the restart, Parsons found impressive grip on the greasy track, making a bold move around the outside of turn one.

“We had some great battles and I was running third at one point. But I had contact from behind that caused a puncture, so had to pit for a new tire. It was a real shame because we had good pace and I really enjoyed the circuit,” explained the 2014 AsiaCup champion.

The series now has a month break before heading to the iconic Mazda Raceway, where Parsons has already won this year in a different series, for the final three races of the season.

Rounds 14, 15 and 16 of the Pro Mazda Championship take place on September 9-11 at Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca.