By Steve Wittich

Victor Franzoni, who came into the “Soul Red Finale” weekend at Watkins Glen International with a two point lead over Anthony Martin, ends the first day of the weekend with a three point lead, after winning his fourth pole of the season.

And, he made a major statement in doing it.

The Brazilian’s quickest lap of 102.438 seconds was more than eight-tenths of a second ahead of his championship compadre Anthony Martin, who will start on the outside of the front row.

Team Pelfrey rookie duo Carlos Cunha and TJ Fischer will start behind the championship contending duo.

At the half-way point of the 20 minute session Franzoni was the provisional pole sitter with a quick lap at 103.723 seconds. He was followed by Cunha and Martin.

Not long after the 10 minute mark, Martin took over the top spot on the time sheet with a lap of 103.250 seconds.

Martin’s tenure on provisional pole was short lived as Franzoni went back to point with a scorching lap at 102.710 seconds. He would later improve on that to solidify his pole.

Pro Mazda Watkins Glen Grand Prix Presented by Cooper Tires qualifying #1 results

RANK CAR NO. DRIVER QUICK LAP DIFFERENCE
1 23 Victor Franzoni 1:42.438 –.—-
2 8 Anthony Martin 1:43.250 0.8121
3 81 Carlos Cunha 1:44.044 1.6060
4 82 TJ Fischer 1:44.603 2.1649
5 80 Nikita Lastochkin 1:45.094 2.6561
6 84 Robert Megennis 1:45.798 3.3606
7 14 Sting Ray Robb 1:46.000 3.5621
8 12 Kris Wright 1:46.243 3.8051
9 60 Jeff Green 1:46.338 3.9005
10 3 Matt Machiko 1:47.209 4.7713
11 13 Bobby Eberle 1:47.229 4.7911
12 31 Brendan Puderbach 1:48.706 6.2685
13 83 Charles Finelli 1:49.761 7.3230

The Pro Mazda drivers and teams are back on track for their first race of the weekend at 1:15pm