May 21, 2026 – JTR Motorsports Engineering is proud to announce the addition of Michael O'Dell to its Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin driver lineup. A rising talent with a résumé in both sportscar and karting disciplines, O'Dell brings championship pedigree, proven race craft, and a relentless competitive edge to one of the most respected programs in the paddock.
O'Dell's racing background spans an impressive range of disciplines, including SCCA SRF3 Spec Racer Ford Gen3, Spec Miata, GR-RSC open-wheel formula cars, 250cc and 125cc Honda Shifter karts, 125 CIK TaG, K71 Laydown Enduro, Briggs & Stratton LO206 and Animal Sprint/Enduro, and KT100 two-cycle sprint karts. That breadth of experience has translated directly into results at the highest levels of national competition.
The move to the Mazda MX-5 Cup marks the next significant step in O'Dell's professional development, placing him on one of the most competitive spec-racing platforms in North America — and one widely regarded as a proving ground for the next generation of professional sportscar drivers.
"Michael is exactly the kind of driver we love to work with at JTR Motorsports Engineering," explained Dave Thomas of JTR Motorsports Engineering. "He's hungry, he's prepared, and he's already shown he can win at every level he's competed at. The way he progressed through the SCCA Super Tour field this past season, combined with his karting championships and the work ethic he brings to the shop, gave us a lot of confidence in adding him to our MX-5 Cup lineup. We expect him to be a serious contender right out of the gate, and we're excited to see what he can do in the Mazda."
O'Dell will join the JTR Motorsports Engineering lineup for the upcoming Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin season, working alongside the team's veteran squad as he continues his climb through the professional sports car ranks.
JTR Motorsports will now announce their full driver lineup for the next round of the Mazda MX-5 Cup at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, scheduled for June 5-7.