Jack Hawksworth has confessed that his maiden test outing in a fully-fledged IndyCar was “a dream come true”.

The Cullingworth driver made such an impression that he has been tipped to enjoy a bright future in the United States.

Hawksworth’s displays in the United States captured the attention of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL).

Their co-founder Bobby Rahal elected to put the rising Bradford-born star into the cockpit of one of his 650bhp Dallara-Hondas at Sebring International Raceway in Florida.

True to form, Hawksworth gave an excellent account of himself, setting some consistently quick and eye-catching times.

And RLL engineer Eddie Jones was left convinced that he is very much the real deal.

Jones confirmed: “Jack was very impressive. He has a great attitude and focus. From the first outing it was quite clear that he is very capable and he had a very intelligent approach to the whole test. There is no doubt that he has all the ingredients to be a very good driver at this level.”

Hawksworth was buzzing after climbing out of the test car as even a late afternoon downpour could not dampen his enthusiasm.

He said: “I was so excited beforehand. I’d been waiting for this day ever since the test had been agreed and it was an incredible opportunity.

“I felt comfortable and at home right from the off – both in the car and also with the team. Everybody at RLL immediately made me very welcome.

“It was great to be a part of it all and to see how an IndyCar outfit really works at the top level. It was a dream come true to drive at the pinnacle – one of the best days of my life – and I didn’t want it to end.”