Lochie Hughes wins Formula 4 USA opener in New Orleans

Gold Coast racer Lochie Hughes has won on debut to take out the Formula 4 USA opener in New Orleans.

Lochie Hughes has won the Formula 4 USA opener in New Orleans. (Formula 4 USA)

Matt Christensen put his #45 Velocity Racing Development car on pole and led away at the start from teammate Noah Ping.

The chasing pack began to apply pressure on Ping by lap three, with a three-car battle involving Bryson Morris and Lochie Hughes.

Ping dropped to fourth behind the chasing pair until the safety car neturalised the field after an incident on lap eight.

Ping sprung in to action at the restart, taking the lead ahead of Christensen and Hughes, before contact between the two leaders promoted the young Australian to the top step of the podium.

“I’m pretty happy,” said Hughes.

“We got a little bit lucky there, but we were catching them."

"It was a bit of a crazy race—especially that restart going in to One."

"I didn’t know what was going to happen."

"Everyone was locking up and almost crashing, but I’m really happy to take the win."

"I can’t thank the boys at Jay Howard Driving Development enough."

"Hopefully we can continue this on.”

Hughes wasn't the only driver to win on debut on Saturday at NOLA Motorsports Park, with Mackenzie Clark taking out the Formula Regional Americas opener.

The Canadian took the lead on the opening lap and didn't look back, crossing the line ahead of Raoul Hyman and Dylan Tavella.

Kiwi Ryan Yardley finished sixth after starting in seventh.

Formula 4 USA and Formula Regional Americas continue on Sunday local time for the final two races of the each category's season-opener.