Mid-Ohio Pro Mazda: Martin wins after daring pass on Cunha

The first lap pass gave the 22 year-old his fourth Pro Mazda race win of the year, and more importantly trimmed the points lead of Juncos Racing’s Victor Franzoni from seven points to two points. 

“It was crazy, I don’t know how I came out in first after Turn 4,” explained Martin with a big grin. “Late braking, and I think half the car was in the grass as well, combined for four wheels skidding across the track.  I just saw the gap, and I went for it, and everything was history from there.”

Carlos Cunha got a much better launch at the start and reached Turn 1 before Martin. Franzoni, who started behind fellow Brazilian Cunha, took a look at Martin for second heading into the Keyhole, but Martin held the preferred inside line and held of his championship rival. 

Martin, and his Soul Red No. 3 got a fantastic launch off Turn 2, and was able to get to the inside of Cunha on the long run down to Turn 4. Martin waited as long as possible to brake, and was able to make the pass for the lead. 

Cunha, who went wide and lost momentum trying to defend for the lead from Martin, immediately lost the second spot to Franzoni as the pair ran through Madness (Turn 5 and Turn 6). 

The 30-minute race settled down after the hectic opening lap, but Martin was never able to shake the tenacious Franzoni. Martin’s lead was never bigger than eight tenths of second, and for the majority of the 22 lap race it remained under half of a second, and the Australian crossed the line only three tenths of a second ahead of the Brazilian. 

Cunha, who spent the majority of race holding off his Team Pelfrey teammate TJ Fischer, was given a late race drive-thru penalty for avoidable contact, after coming together with Jeff Green in Turn 2.

After the achingly-slow drive down pit lane, Cunha only lost one spot to Fisher, who scored his fifth podium of the season. 

Story by Steve Wittich