The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin never ceases to surprise. Now at the halfway point of the season, the series has yet to have a repeat race winner and the championship point leader has changed with each round. Rounds Seven and Eight at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course could disrupt these trends and put the spotlight on a 2024 championship favorite.

A question many Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin fans have asked lately is: ‘where’s Selin Rollan?’ The front-running series veteran was missing from Rounds Five and Six at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and isn’t on the entry list for Mid-Ohio.

A mistake in the final corner of Saturday’s Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin race cost Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering) a hometown victory. He redeemed himself in Sunday’s race with a decisive win. Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 JTR Motorsports Engineering) came home second, with Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) finishing third.

Round Five of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin featured a spectacular one-lap dash to the finish line at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday. Reigning series champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) held off two of his teammates to take his first victory of the year by 0.079-second.

Rounds Five and Six of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin are shaping up to become a pivotal point in the 2024 season. With a few key names missing from the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca entry list, it’s possible for other championship contenders to bank a healthy amount of points.