Australian Jake Parsons had a positive weekend of progress at the Angie’s List GP of Indianapolis. The Pro Mazda Series rookie captured his first American podium in the opening race on Friday, followed by what he considered a better all-round race performance in Saturday’s round six.

In the afternoon sun on Friday, Parsons drove a patient and consistent race to come home in third position. “What an awesome place to get my first podium,” said the excited young Aussie afterwards. “It was pretty damned cool looking at the IMS stands and the champagne definitely tasted great!”

Saturday’s race two, which took place in much cooler and windier conditions, saw the Juncos #00 driver start fifth on the grid. After losing out in the initial jockeying for positions at turn one, more clever consistent driving saw him recover back to sixth position; challenging hard for fifth by the end of the race.

“I think the start played a big part in my race, but I knew that if I just stayed focused it would come back to me. I felt like I drove a better race pace today, even though yesterday’s result was so cool. It’s important to keep everything in context though and today was also some really great driving and we made some good progress” explained the 2015 Formula Masters China vice champion.

Mazda Road to Indy rookie, Parsons now faces his first oval race at Lucas Oil Raceway, a challenge he is eagerly relishing. “It’s going to be a bit of an adventure I think. We have a two day test coming up this week to learn the oval style before we race a few days before the Indy 500. I don’t really know what to expect, I’m just going to go in open minded and enjoy it.”

Round seven of the Pro Mazda Championship takes place at Lucas Oil Raceway on Friday 27th May.