With 44 cars entered in Rounds One and Two, the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin 2026 season is set to commence in spectacular fashion at Daytona International Speedway this week. The sizeable field sets a new record for the series and includes a deep roster of talent with three former champions as well as more than a dozen rookies.

The perks of being a Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Champion expand well past the prize money. The 2025 champion, Jeremy Fletcher, will experience this behind the wheel of the 1991 Mazda RX-7 GTO from the Mazda Heritage Collection in the HSR IMSA Classic at Daytona International Speedway.

Ethan Lampe and Charlotte Traynor earn $100,000 scholarships

On November 4-5, at Circuit Florida in Auburndale, Florida, 12 up-and-coming drivers will compete in the 19th edition of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout. Only three will receive scholarships to participate in the 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin season. The drivers come from around the world and bring a wide range of different experience to the two-day Shootout.

On November 4-5, at Circuit Florida in Auburndale, Florida, 12 up-and-coming drivers will compete in the 19th edition of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout. Only three will receive scholarships to participate in the 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin season. The drivers come from around the world and bring a wide range of different experience to the two-day Shootout.