After a record-breaking grid size to open the season, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is headed to the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida with 42 cars. Two of those Mazda MX-5 Cup machines will be piloted by world-renowned drivers Sebastien Bourdais (No. 38 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Earl Bamber (No. 21 Hendricks Motorsports), who are making guest appearances in Rounds Three and Four.

After making his Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin debut at Martinsville Speedway last October, Earl Bamber (No. 21 Hendricks Motorsports) has returned for another crack at the series. The two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner will rejoin Hendricks Motorsports for Rounds Three and Four at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Street course.

Two-time St. Pete Indycar winner will look to raise funds and race to victory lane once again

Defending Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Champion Jeremy Fletcher recovered from a heartbreaking Race 1 DNF at Daytona International Speedway with a win in Race 2 on Friday. He was followed across the line by another driver looking for redemption, Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 BSI Racing), who finished Thursday’s race at the back of the field because of a tire puncture.

Since 2021, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin has never disappointed when it comes to outstanding racing at Daytona International Raceway. The start of the 2026 season continued this trend with another photo finish, where Noah Harmon (No. 12 Hendricks Motorsports) won his first-ever Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup race by 0.039-second over Justin Adakonis (No. 23 McCumbee McAleer Racing).