GLOBAL MX-5 CUP: Foley wins Round 1 in Monterey

Robby Foley took complete command of the first Global MX-5 Cup Invitational race on Saturday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to take the victory in his Soul Red No. 63 entry. Despite ending the race under the caution flag, the Atlanta Motorsports Group driver was never seriously challenged by second-place finisher Nathaniel Sparks or John Dean II who completed the inaugural invitational podium.

"It was a great run," Foley said with a big smile. "Starting from the beginning I was able to pull a gap. The car was really good and stable. I'm here because I'm a scholarship driver. It's an honor to be part of the invitational group. It was awesome."

Sparks, who drives for the Sick Sideways MX-5 Cup team along with Dean II, said it became apparent rather quickly that he was fighting for second.

"I was pulling the camera man position in that race; Robby run was running so well there was no need to push it," he said. "Robby drove a great race and we were there in the end."

Dean II dealt with an ill-handling car on the way to claiming third.

"I was doing my best," he said with a hit of relief the race was over. "I was struggling overdriving on entry and getting wide on exit."