By Christopher DeHarde, IndyCar & Road to Indy Writer
Victor Franzoni was set to drive in the 2017 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda, but a last minute deal with Juncos Racing has allowed him to join the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires.
Franzoni tested with the Juncos team during the Chris Griffis Memorial Test in October and dominated every session. This announcement helps bolster the Juncos lineup that was thought to have disappeared for 2017.
Team owner Ricardo Juncos had announced that the team would not be running in Pro Mazda following the acquisition of Dallaras formerly owned by KV Racing in an effort to field an entrant in the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500. With the team continuing to run two cars in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires, Pro Mazda was the odd group out.
However, a deal was able to come together and Franzoni will be joined by Jeff Green, who made his debut with the Pro Mazda car in spring training at Homestead-Miami Speedway last week.
“I’m really happy that in 2017 I’ll be part of Juncos Racing,” said Franzoni.
“They are one of the biggest teams in the Mazda Road to Indy series and that makes me very happy. I tested at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Juncos (Racing) and we led all of the test sessions and also broke the unofficial track record. I am sure we will have an amazing season together! I feel that I am ready and really focused on this season.
“It’s a big year for me that will decide my future, so I am happy to be with a team like Juncos Racing!”
