Australian Jake Parsons has extra reason to be excited about his first visit to Canada and the streets of Toronto this weekend for rounds 10 and 11 of the Pro Mazda Championship.

“It’s incredibly cool to be racing in the home country of Gilles Villeneuve, my racing idol growing up” said the 21-year-old.

Series rookie Parsons is also relishing the return to a street circuit, only the second this year after the season opener in St Petersburg, Florida.

“I’ve always liked street circuits and really enjoy driving them; they seem to suit my style of racing.”

Having done simulator laps and studied on board videos as part of his extensive race preparations, Parsons, who drives for the Juncos Racing team is ready for the challenges the 1.755 mile (2.82km), 11 turn Canadian circuit presents.

“The track layout is similar to St Pete but a lot bumpier, kind of like the Kuala Lumpur circuit I drove last year in the Formula Masters China Series. You could attack the kerbs a lot more there, so I’m looking forward to seeing if Toronto is the same,” explained Parsons, who finished second in the 2015 Formula Masters China Series.

Although a big fan of street circuits, Parsons believes the mix of road, street and oval tracks the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system visit is helping him become a more rounded and complete driver.

“Each different track has it’s own challenges and teaches different skills. On an oval it’s all about finesse and car control, while on a road circuit you learn the importance of momentum. Then on a street circuit like here, you really get to hone your ability to concentrate and manage your brakes. I think you become a more versatile driver having to manage the different skills needed,” added the young Aussie.

Rounds 10 and 11 of the Pro Mazda Championship take place in Toronto from 15 – 17 July.

7/15/2016 (All times US Eastern Time)
8:40 AM-9:05 AM  Practice 1
4:15 PM-4:45 PM  Practice 2

7/16/2016
7:50 AM-8:10 AM  Qualifying
5:20 PM-6:00 PM  Race 1

7/17/2016
9:25 AM-10:15 AM  Race 2