With six drivers already carrying the Hixon Motor Sports (HMS) banner at the most recent race, a new driver has been added for the upcoming event at the VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) and onwards through the 2022 season. Joining HMS will be Brazilian racer Bruno Smielevski, who comes with a long list of accomplishments; he looks to add Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires (Mazda MX-5 Cup) race winner to his colorful resume of his lifetime motorsports results.

With the 2022 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires (MX-5 Cup) season-end on the horizon, Hixon Motor Sports (HMS) continues to grow their driver-winning program. With multiple wins this season, a new name will be added to the team’s roster with Thomas Annunziata as he makes the move up to an IMSA Pro license for his national motorsports campaign and joins a championship-caliber team.

Drivers from numerous racing disciplines have earned their at-large nominations to compete for one of three scholarships to assist in running the 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires championship.

The 2023 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires schedule was unveiled Friday at IMSA’s State of the Sport presentation, and the growing championship is set for another season of big events at outstanding tracks. Mazda’s signature spec series will continue to hold a 14-race championship over seven events starting in January at Daytona International Raceway and ending in October at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

It was a winning weekend for Hixon Motor Sports (HMS) during the second half of back-to-back race weekends. Taking on the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires (MX-5 Cup), rookie Connor Zilisch stole the show earning a pair of pole positions and his first two victories in the series to dominate the 4.014-mile, 14-turn Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. With those results, Zilisch jumps to third in the overall series point standings and first amongst the rookie competitors. Additionally, Hixon Motor Sports earned the VP Clean Image Award at Road America.