BROWNSBURG, Ind. (May 20, 2015) – Anthony Martin’s top career objective to someday become INDYCAR champion took a major step forward when Martin made his oval track debut as The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda made it’s only oval track stop of the season Saturday at the famed 5/8 mile Lucas Oil Raceway as the series took to the track for the 2015 FreedomFest 75-lap race.
The week started Tuesday with Martin, and other Mazda Road to Indy drivers attending the annual Mazda Road to Indy Summit and receiving tips on oval racing from INDYCAR legend Rick Mears, Simona Di Silvestro, and Mazda Road to Indy graduate Carlos Munoz.
“The greatest advice from the summit came from Rick Mears, who said to be smooth with every move you make on an oval”, said Martin.
Martin put the advice to use right away, and worked his way to 4th on the speed charts by the end of the 3 practice sessions, and ultimately qualifying 5th for the Freedom 75.
Martin was able to clear 4th place qualifier, Yufeng Luo, on lap 1 as the cars exited turn 2, was able to hold off Luo throughout the remainder of the race.
Following the race, Martin was smiling wide, expressing how exciting it was to be navigating traffic and making passes nearly every lap.
Team owner John Cummiskey was full of praise following the rookie standout’s oval track debut.
“We knew coming in that Anthony was going to do well for us, and he absolutely exceeded expectations for his first oval track start, and I couldn’t be prouder of Anthony and the crew for their efforts”, said Cummiskey.
The series now heads North of the border for the a double-header event on the streets of Toronto. Martin will look to continue to a streak of top-5 finishes that now spans 4 consecutive races, spearheaded by podium finishes at New Orleans Motorsports Park (2nd) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (3rd).
