February 24, 2023 – It is the second event of the 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires (MX-5) campaign, and Hixon Motor Sports (HMS) is back with a strong seven-driver lineup for the Streets of St. Petersburg. Set to battle on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn, temporary street circuit, the potent squad returns with 2022 Rookie of the Year and Vice-Champion Connor Zilisch, multi-time race winner Selin Rollan, as well as the three competitors sitting first, second, and third in the 2023 Rookie of the Year point standings.
“It was a milestone week for us last week as we celebrated our third anniversary since launching Hixon Motor Sports,” explained Bryan Hixon. “In three short years, we have accomplished many feats but a couple of wins on the streets of St. Pete would put the icing on the cake and really make this anniversary, and my birthday, one to remember.”
With seven drivers in their lineup led by multi-time race winners Connor Zilisch and Selin Rollan, 2023 Mazda Scholarship runner-up Thomas Annunziata leads a trio of rookies that occupy the top three positions in the rookie points chase. With Annunziata trailed by HMS teammates Jonathan Neudorf and Bruno Smielevski, all three drivers will see action on the concrete barrier-lined street circuit for the very first time.
“Thomas, Jonathan, and Bruno will be in St. Pete for their very first time, but our knowledge as a team and the experience from both Selin and Connor should assist them,” explained Team Manager Shea Holbrook. “We need to make sure that we maximize track time, finish every lap, and work together. If we do these things correctly, we will have good point-scoring positions when the checkered flag flies in the two wheel-to-wheel races this weekend.”
With five drivers slated to take on the only temporary circuit event of 2023 this season, an additional two Hixon Motor Sports drivers will join the squad as they look to battle on one of the most challenging event weekends on the schedule.
It will be a quick two-day race weekend in Florida, and Hixon Motor Sports will hit the track two practices on Friday followed by a qualifying session that will set the grid for race one. Returning for their final on-track day on Saturday in a short two-day weekend, HMS will battle rivals in a pair of 45-minute races. Both races in St. Petersburg will be available for livestream this weekend on IMSA.TV
St. Pete Event Schedule: (Eastern)
Friday, March 3rd
Practice: 7:50 - 8:20 AM
Practice: 11:15 - 11:45 AM
Qualifying: 5:15 - 5:35 PM
Saturday, March 4th
Race: 7:55 - 8:40 AM
Race: 4:45 - 5:30 PM
You can find the complete 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires full-season schedule HERE.
Stay tuned to the Hixon Motor Sports social media pages for news, information, photos, and results from the event weekend and throughout the 2023 season.