ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Team Pelfrey chose the perfect location to claim its first victory of the season.

Based a few miles away in Clearwater, Fla., the team took the checkered flag in this morning’s second round of the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear courtesy of British driver Jack Hawksworth.

Hawksworth started from the pole and led throughout the 19-lap race, which was interrupted by a pair of full-course cautions, to claim his first North American win in just his second start.

“It was just one of those races where everything came together,” Hawksworth said. “I had an absolutely perfect car from Team Pelfrey. There were a lot of safety cars and restarts, but we managed to nail all the starts, and with the pace we had in the car it was really easy to control the race. It’s really good that Petri was on the podium, both of us getting points for the Team Championship, so a really good weekend overall.”

Finnish teammate Petri Suvanto, 19, dropped from second to third before Turn One, but maintained that position to ensure two Team Pelfrey drivers were on the podium in front of a huge crowd that was gathered for the afternoon’s opening round of the IZOD IndyCar Series. Juan Piedrahita of JDC Motorsports finished second.

“Couldn’t be happier,” Team Pelfrey Team Manager Geoff Fickling said. “I’m so proud of our team, top to bottom. It’s been a hectic pre-season but man, every single person on this team has worked their butts off and it’s really paid off. I really felt we came to St. Pete prepared and we got the result to prove it.”

Hawksworth leaves the season opener leading the Star Mazda Championship point standings. The series will continue with two more races next weekend at Barber Motorsports Park, once again racing in support of the IZOD IndyCar Series.