Mobile, AL – (Jan 16, 2026) The Spark Performance tent continues to grow in 2026 with the signing of Ryan Leach for the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin season. Leach, who will make his series debut in Daytona, joins fellow new driver Frankie Barroso, and Spark Performance veterans Alex Bachoura and Grant West.

The St. Petersburg, Florida native comes to the series by way of GRIDLIFE’s Rush SR series, where Leach racked up 27 wins in 38 races over the past two seasons. Ryan also went back-to-back in 2024 and 2025 as series champion. Leach will represent his sponsor, Power Design this season.

Power Design is a leading design build multi-trade contractor with projects across the U.S., and is also one of the largest private employers in the Tampa Bay area.

“I’m excited to be joining Spark Performance for 2026,” said Leach.

“A huge thanks to my sponsor, Power Design, for believing in me and supporting this program. I’m proud to represent a company that operates at such a high level. Being from the same hometown, our goal this season is simple; bring the championship trophy home to St. Pete.”

Leach will look to translate his previous success into winning performances as he enters the highly competitive IMSA sanctioned series.

“We’re excited to have Ryan with us this season,” said Spark Performance owner Nathaniel Sparks.

“Any time you can bring in a driver with a successful track record in motorsports is a good thing. We’re going to work hard to get Ryan comfortable with the car and up-to-speed as fast as we can. We look forward to seeing what he can do.”

Practice at Daytona International Speedway for the season opener begins on Wednesday, January 21st. All races for the 2026 season can be streamed on YouTube or IMSA.tv.