The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin paddock got quite the surprise on Friday morning when rookie Matt Novak (No. 11 Advanced Autosports) earned the Motul Pole Award for Round Three at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The tricky nature of the temporary street circuit makes experience so important and the likelihood of a rookie turning the fastest qualifying lap slim.

Jeremy Fletcher is set to take on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida this weekend as the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin continues with its second event of the 2026 season. Competing alongside the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Fletcher will once again pilot his entry with McCumbee McAleer Racing on the demanding 14-turn downtown street circuit.

JTR Motorsports Heads to St. Petersburg with Eight-Driver Lineup

TRACK: St. Petersburg Street Circuit (1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit)

PT Autosport and Wheels America Racing’s Max Stallone will check another new discipline off the list this week, racing on the tight confines of the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin doubleheader.