Defending Champion and Promising Rookie chasing Championship leader with $250,000 on the line

With seven drivers under the Hixon Motor Sports banner, it was a total of one win, two podium results, and five top-ten finishes over the two-race Idemtisu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires (MX-5 Cup) weekend. Taking place at the ultra-fast VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), it was Connor Zilisch who led the HMS squad with a second-place podium result Saturday before leveling up Sunday to take the win.

When the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires 2023 schedule was revealed on August 5, there was one event missing from the calendar. That date is now confirmed to be WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

Descending on the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) this past weekend, Copeland Motorsports driver Max Opalski was determined and ready. Taking on rounds eleven and twelve of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires, the rookie driver showed his progression matching his career-best finish on Saturday before fighting in the top-five on Sunday.

It was a winning weekend for Copeland Motorsports at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). With three drivers entered in rounds eleven and twelve of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich, Tyler Gonzalez scored a victory for the team driving from last to first on Sunday while Max Opalski ran inside the top-five on both race days. Jameson Riley had two steady days earning top-15 results after improving from his qualifying results both days.