The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is back on track for Rounds 11 and 12 at VIRginia International Raceway. After a day of practice, Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) posted the quickest time of the day.

With only four races left on the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin schedule, things are about to take a turn for the dramatic. The top eight drivers in the standings are covered by less than 600 points, which is a small margin considering one can score a maximum of 380 points per race. Seasons past have shown that VIRginia International Raceway can make or break a driver’s championship dreams.

Race to be part of doubleheader event featuring NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship finale

With five minutes left in the Round 10 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, it didn’t look like a win was in the cards for Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing). Then, a series of events transpired that quickly launched Cicero from fifth to first. Joining him on the podium was rookie Julian DaCosta (No. 78 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and the driver with more Mazda MX-5 Cup starts than anyone else: Alex Bachoura (No. 33 Spark Performance).

On a track he just learned the day before, Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) climbed from sixth on the grid to take the top spot on the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin podium at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. He shared the podium with reigning series champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and Connor Zilisch (No. 72 JTR Motorsports Engineering).