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