ALTON, Va. (Aug. 23, 2025) - Qualifying for Round 11 of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin came down to a one-lap shootout at VIRginia International Raceway on Saturday. Rising to the challenge and securing his first-ever series pole was rookie Justin Adakonis (No. 23 McCumbee McAleer Racing).

Just as cars were getting ready to start their flying laps in the 20-minute qualifying session, a red flag was issued for three cars who made contact with tire barriers. The lengthy cleanup meant that when the green flag was back out, drivers would only have time for one flying lap.

Adakonis was the name atop the timing screen once all the cars had gone past the finish line.

“On the radio they said ‘you’re going to have one chance at it, so make the most of it,’” recalled Adakonis. “I tried to find some good track position and luckily I was able to do that. It feels so amazing. We’ve been so close all year and have had such bad luck. It’s good to finally be up here and hopefully we can keep it going for the race.”

He will have his teammate Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) starting alongside him for the 45-minute race.

Current points leader Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 Advanced Autosports) will start 10th.

Green flag is slated for 5:55pm ET with live streaming on the RACER and IMSA YouTube channels.