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).

Time is running out for drivers hoping to win the 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin. The series travels to VIRginia International Raceway this weekend for Rounds 11 and 12 of a 14-race season. With the championship points so close, the events that play out at VIR could be the deciding factor for the crown and the $250,000 championship prize.

Lightning at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park brings out red flag

Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 BSI Racing) survived two late-race caution periods to win his fifth Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin race of the season. It was yet another Mazda MX-5 Cup close finish as Gonzalez beat his BSI Racing teammate Helio Meza (No. 27 BSI Racing) to the finish line at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) by just 0.222-second.

Two-time Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) set the quickest lap of the day across two practice sessions at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.