February 22, 2022 – It’s the second month of the year and the second event weekend in the 2022 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich® Tires. With the first two wheel-to-wheel races at the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway, rounds three and four will take place this coming weekend on the Streets of St. Petersburg alongside the NTT INDYCAR Series.
While the driver count for Copeland Motorsports goes down by one this weekend, Copeland Motorsports will bring round one winner Tyler Gonzalez, the ever-fast rookie Max Opalski and the consistent Jameson Riley as they descend on the barrier lined circuit.
“There are 31 drivers this weekend, and we are proud to bring three chances in Gonzalez, Opalski, and Riley,” expressed Dean Copeland, Owner of Copeland Motorsports. “We have had some success at St. Pete in the past and think track knowledge will play a major role in success this weekend. We have three drivers who are competitive on the track yet work together off the track and that kind of bond and work ethic provides results.”
Taking to the track on Thursday for a pair of practice sessions, qualifying will take place on Friday morning before the first race of the weekend goes green on Friday afternoon. Saturday will feature the second race of the weekend, fourth of the series, as MX-5 racers will hit the track just prior to IndyCar qualifying and what is sure to be a packed house.
Copeland continued, “Our drivers proved the speed in our Copeland Motorsports machines in Daytona with a win and several top-ten results. St. Pete brings a new task, but we are up for the challenge.”
Matt Curry is unable to make the St. Pete event due to a conflict in his professional schedule. With the prior commitment, Curry will rejoin Copeland Motorsports in May at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and onwards for the rest of the 2022 season.
Event Schedule
Thursday, February 24th
2:15-2:45pm – Practice #1
4:40-5:00pm – Practice #2
Friday, February 25th
11:15-11:35am – Qualifying
4:50pm – Race #1
Saturday, February 26th
10:00am – Race #2
Remainder of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich Schedule
February 25-27: Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
May 13-15: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
June 23-26: Watkins Glen International
July 1-3: Road America
August 26-28: VIRginia International Raceway
September 28-30: Road Atlanta