ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Mar. 4, 2026) – Bobby Gossett delivered a defining weekend for BSI Racing at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, capturing his first career victory and adding a second podium finish in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin. With the performance, Gossett now leads the Drivers’ Championship standings.
On a soaked but drying 1.8-mile temporary street circuit, Gossett demonstrated patience and race-winning composure. Starting third in the No. 44 Salty Dog Racing, BSI entry, he advanced to second on the opening lap and claimed the lead by Turn Six.
Multiple cautions slowed the race, but Gossett executed each restart with precision. As the track began to dry and pressure intensified late, he maintained control until a final caution secured his first series victory in just his 16th start.
“The conditions were better than I expected,” said Gossett. “I was nervous before the race, but once we got going, I focused on hitting my marks and managing the restarts. When it started drying out, I knew it would get tougher, but we stayed composed and finished it off.”
Sunday’s race required determination. Early on, Gossett sustained a hard brush with the wall exiting Turn 14 but continued without losing competitive pace.
Locked in a battle for the final podium position, Gossett remained in contention throughout multiple cautions and restarts. Although he initially crossed the line just outside the top three, post-race technical inspection revealed a maximum camber violation for the third-place finisher. Gossett was promoted to third, securing his second podium of the weekend.
With a win and a third-place finish, Gossett exits St. Petersburg as the championship points leader. A significant milestone early in the season.
There has always been one clear goal at BSI Racing: win a championship. Multiple times in recent seasons, the team has come heartbreakingly close, including a title fight decided by a single point. This year, Gossett’s fast start provides renewed belief and tangible momentum that the championship pursuit can be realized.
The No. 44 program has proven it can execute under pressure, adapt to changing conditions, and consistently run at the front. The exact ingredients required for a title campaign.
With the Drivers’ Championship lead in hand and confidence building inside the organization, Bobby Gossett and BSI Racing have firmly positioned themselves as contenders in 2026.
BSI Racing’s strength was evident across the grid in Race Two, placing six drivers inside the Top 15: Bobby Gossett – No. 44 – P3, James Vance – No. 95 – P8, Tristan McKee – No. 7 – P10, Ethan Goulart – No. 72 – P11, Ethan Tyler – No. 80 – P12, Christian Hodneland – No. 32 – P13.
About BSI Racing
BSI Racing is a championship-focused motorsports organization dedicated to developing drivers and delivering winning results at every level of competition. Built on a foundation of preparation, performance, and professionalism, BSI Racing competes in premier development and sports car platforms while providing a structured ladder for emerging talent.
With a proven record of race wins, podium finishes, and championship contention is often decided by the narrowest of margins. BSI Racing continues to set the standard for driver development and competitive excellence. The mission is clear: build drivers, build teams, and win championships.