PRO MAZDA: Telitz wins Round 3 and championship in Monterey

Aaron Telitz is the new Pro Mazda champion and will graduate to the Indy Lights series thanks to the advancement prize provided by Mazda. The young American drove away from Team Pelfrey teammate Pato O'Ward – the only driver with a shot to displace the Wisconsin native – as the young Mexican faded from second to sixth at the finish.

The showdown at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca saw Telitz lead home Will Owen (-1.0543) and Round 2 winner Nicholas Dapero (-3.3872) who completed the podium.

"We had a crazy weekend, battling Pato all year; he's been a great teammate," Telitz said. "It's the biggest thing that ever happened for my racing career. I quit college to try racing and it's paying off really well.

"When I was coming across the line, I was thinking about so many things! It's unbelievable. I don't come from a racing family or a racing background so to be here, winning the Pro Mazda championship and getting to drive an Indy Lights car next year is just amazing. It's all thanks to the Mazda Road to Indy, where you have a stepping stone to every level and you don't get confused, you don't wonder what you should do the next year.

"It's hard to give someone racing room but know that you've got to beat that person to win the championship. You're both going to go for the same spot and you're going to have tangles like that. I'll enjoy this tonight and I'm sure I'll have lots of Indy Lights teams to talk to tomorrow!"