USF2000 champion Martin sticks with Cape for Pro Mazda move

Aussie racer Martin, 22, secured the USF2000 title in his second year in the category, seeing off teammate Parker Thompson and Victor Franzoni.

The title assured he would have the Mazda scholarship funding to move up the Road to Indy ladder, and it has now been confirmed that Martin will be continuing with Cape.

"Going with Cape Motorsports again was a quite easy decision,” said Martin. “I’m a loyal person and I really do love sticking with the boys. They’re a great team, and everything they have is second to none.

"I witnessed it all of last year, and I could not leave the team because the way they run the show is impeccable.

“Winning the Mazda scholarship meant everything to me - it was an immense reaction. There was so much hype in Australia about me winning this championship, I had to go back to talk to a lot of the media back home, and see all my friends and family that were really supporting me and backing me.

"Winning the championship really opened up my eyes to the support I have and how many people were actually watching me and pushing me to do the best I can over here.”

Martin is Cape's first Pro Mazda signing for 2017, which will be the team's fourth season in the category.

Cape drivers Scott Hargrove and Neil Alberico were runners-up in 2014 and 2015 respectively, while Nico Jamin - Martin's predecessor in winning the USF2000 title - led the team with two wins in a Pelfrey-dominated 2016 campaign.

On Wednesday, Martin and Cape topped the Pro Mazda timesheets in the Sprinп Training test day at Homestead Miami.

Cape signs Askew for USF2000

Fellow Mazda scholarship driver Oliver Askew will likewise race for Cape on the Road to Indy in 2017.

Askew, 20, saw off 17 rivals in winning the inaugural Mazda Road to Indy Shootout and securing the budget for a USF2000 campaign.

The American has previously said he would be targeting the USF2000 title in his rookie season - and has now joined the Cape team that has gone unbeaten in the category since 2012. Askew will partner India's Ricky Donison in the outfit.

"As soon as I won the Shootout, I was thinking about the championship and winning races,” said Askew. “This is my opportunity, so I want to make it easier on myself going into next year to win the USF2000 title and earn another season scholarship from Mazda. 

“The team at Cape Motorsports have helped me a lot with this next step. I’ve learned so much in the last month of testing with them preparing for this year. It’s a big opportunity for me and I want to maximize that.

"With Cape Motorsports, everything is possible, as they're one of the best teams in the paddock and I’m very happy to be with them.”

Like Martin, Askew also set the pace in the test day at Homestead Miami, leading the rest of the USF2000 contingent by four tenths.