Jack Hawksworth tested a race car in America for the first time at the first Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2011.

He returned to the test on Oct. 10 as the Star Mazda champion, but without his helmet, observing the test from the Team Pelfrey pits.

All three Mazda Road to Indy series champions were at Indianapolis on the opening day of the test, though none drove on the 2.514-mile road course. Firestone Indy Lights champion Tristan Vautier was serving a driving coach for Norwegian driver Ayla Agren, while USF2000 titlist Matthew Brabham will test a Star Mazda car for Andretti Autosport on Oct. 11.

"It's definitely tough watching on the sidelines, especially when it's cold," Brabham said. "The car seems to have a lot of pace. Everyone's been telling me about the cars and how they are so fun to drive here. I'm really looking forward to it."

The scholarship winners aren't the only drivers with an eye on moving up. Gabby Chaves, who is second in Star Mazda Championship points, got his first taste of Firestone Indy Lights car at the test with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

"I really enjoyed today," he said. "It was a great experience. I just wish there would have been a little more track time because at the end of the day when I started to figure everything out the session was over. It was a good day though. A lot of the guys out there have driven the car much more than I have. I'm happy with the result today. I feel like I'm ready to be in these cars and I can't wait."

Kaiser impresses

Kyle Kaiser, who made his Star Mazda debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca earlier this year, capped off a successful test with World Speed Motorsports.

The Californian, who is transitioning to Star Mazda after a successful two years in the West Coast-based Formula Car Challenge, was among the fastest Star Mazda drivers during the two-day test, matching lap times with more celebrated drivers such as Spencer Pigot, Shelby Blackstock and Matthew Brabham.

"Today we knew we had the speed," Kaiser said. "We had the car and we had the setup and it turned out really well. Being at this track was incredible and to be out there with guys who have really good resumes and competed at high levels. It's really cool to see my name turning competitive times with them."

Of note

Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing's Josef Newgarden served as a driver mentor at the test. Among the other INDYCAR personalities who were watching the test were Alex Tagliani, supporting Bryan Herta Autosport's Firestone Indy Lights team; E.J. Viso, who was supporting his Team Viso Venezuela drivers Giancarlo Serenelli and Diego Ferreira; and Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti.