The Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires – the most effective driver development platform in the world – concluded its best season to date this month with thrilling championship battles punctuated by thriving off-track initiatives that firmly position the INDYCAR-sanctioned ladder series for future growth and global presence.

One day after the championship titles for all three levels of the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires open-wheel driver development program were decided at the famed Watkins Glen International road course, around 250 drivers, families, teams and sponsors gathered on Monday evening at the nearby Harbor Hotel for the traditional Championship Celebration banquet. A total of more than $2.6 million in Mazda Scholarships and other awards was distributed at the upscale venue on the shores of Seneca Lake.

Victor Franzoni and Juncos Racing dominate in wet and cold conditions to take the win and the championship over Cape Motorsports' Anthony Martin

Victor Franzoni extended his slender lead over Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires rival Anthony Martin (Cape Motorsports) by virtue of a hard-fought victory this afternoon in the first of two races that comprise the Pro Mazda Watkins Glen Grand Prix Presented by Cooper Tires

For Victor Franzoni, as with rival Anthony Martin, winning the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires will provide an opportunity to move on to Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires – one step away from the Brazilian’s ultimate goal, a career in the Verizon IndyCar Series – in 2018.