Australian James Kovacic took another step in his flourishing career at Laguna Seca in America on the weekend with victory in the Prototype Lites Sportscar Series.

At only 16 years of age Kovacic became the youngest competitor to claim victory in the category – which is a feeder class for the American Le Mans Series.

Competing for the Intersport USA outfit Kovacic grabbed a second row start for race one before taking the lead within five laps and go on to take a convincing victory in a quality field of 22 drivers – an impressive effort considering Kovacic had never been to the circuit and driven the race car until the weekend.

Kovacic consolidated his debut victory with a strong third place in the second endurance race held on Sunday.

At the start of the second race, the Intersport Team elected for Kovacic to complete his mandatory pit stop while he was in a commanding lead. Upon leaving the pits, Kovacic progressed quickly after setting some fastest laps. However four very lengthy safety car periods slowed his progress through the field and he was forced to settle for third spot.

Kovacic was pleased to have secured the round win with a first and third from the two races on his debut in the series.

“The racing was fantastic and the car was perfect all throughout the weekend and I can’t say enough good things about the Intersport USA team – they made me feel right at home,” said Kovacic.

“The Laguna Seca track was a fantastic experience and winning on debut will be in my memory forever.

“None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for my supporters and sponsors which include BBX, the Navybox School of Motorsport, Kart Racing Magazine along with Mitch Biner from Oversteer Race Centre and Daran Pratt from Edge 1st Fitness.”

Kovacic’s next race is expected to be on Australian shores when he contests round three of the CIK Stars of Karting Series at Sydney’s Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway on June 19/20.