Drivers from numerous racing disciplines have earned their at-large nominations to compete for one of three scholarships to assist in running the 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires championship.

The 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires schedule was unveiled Friday at IMSA’s State of the Sport presentation, and the growing championship is set for another season of big events at outstanding tracks. Mazda’s signature spec series will continue to hold a 14-race championship over seven events starting in January at Daytona International Raceway and ending in October at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

It was a winning weekend for Hixon Motor Sports (HMS) during the second half of back-to-back race weekends. Taking on the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires (MX-5 Cup), rookie Connor Zilisch stole the show earning a pair of pole positions and his first two victories in the series to dominate the 4.014-mile, 14-turn Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. With those results, Zilisch jumps to third in the overall series point standings and first amongst the rookie competitors. Additionally, Hixon Motor Sports earned the VP Clean Image Award at Road America.

With a win in Sunday’s Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires, Connor Zilisch (No. 72 Hixon Motor Sports) completed his domination of the weekend, winning both races at Road America from the pole position. Championship leader Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Enterprises) finished less than one second behind and was followed to the line by Matthew Dirks (No. 76 McCumbee McAleer Racing).

Contact relegates fast-starting Parker Kligerman to 16th on debut