September 1, 2023 – It was a trip to the East Coast for Hixon Motor Sports (HMS) and the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires (MX-5 Cup) teams this past weekend. Taking on the VIRginia International Raceway, Hixon Motor Sports earned six top-ten results, including a podium finish by Connor Zilisch on Saturday.
“I am so proud of this team for all that they continue to do and what they stand for,” explained Team owner Bryan Hixon. “We will continue to push to be the best as that is the number one goal.”
Connor Zilisch led the HMS squad in qualifying securing the second-fastest lap of the session and secured an outside row one starting spot. Thomas Annunziata continued his rapid pace with a fifth-place qualifying effort while Selin Rollan slotted into 11th, just ahead of Jonathan Neudorf in 15th.
Hixon Motor Sports Qualifying Results:
2. Connor Zilisch
5. Thomas Annunziata
11. Selin Rollan
15. Jonathan Neudorf
20. Ethan Tylers
21. Julian DaCosta
23. Bailey Cruse
25. Farhan Siddiqi
Race #1
In the first race of the weekend, Zilisch, like he did in qualifying, led the HMS squad on the results sheets as he managed to keep his #72 machine at the pointy end of the field. Racing hard and battling for the win, Zilisch secured a podium result in a drag race to the checkered flag, finishing just .092 of a second behind the race winner. Putting a trio of drivers inside the top-ten, Thomas Annunziata was the second-highest placed rookie in the seventh position with fellow rookie and HMS teammate Julian DaCosta in ninth. Just outside the top-ten, Jonathan Neudorf battled hard to earn an 11th-place result while Bailey Cruse, Farah Siddiqi, Ethan Tyler, and Selin Rollan finished down the running order and would look to rebound in race two.
“It is great to have Connor on the podium,” expressed Team Manager Shea Holbrook. “He was in contention for the win and that is all that we can ask to do. This race was especially heartbreaking for us as with just four corners to go, it could have been another win for the team. To put three drivers inside the top-ten is a feat in itself with how competitive this series is, but we continue to do it each and every race weekend.”
Race #2
Similar to race one, HMS put three drivers inside the top-ten for the second time in as many days but this time it was Annunziata who led the way with a drive to sixth place. Jonathan Neudorf improved from his P11 result on Saturday to finish ninth on Sunday, just ahead of Saturday’s podium winner Connor Zilisch. With a disappointing DNF on Saturday, Rollan was back on track Sunday and earned himself a 13th-place result. Unfortunately, the rest of the HMS drivers fell down the running order, many due to contact at no fault of their own.
Holbrook added, “Today was much tougher for us. Some issues beyond our control prevented the results that we deserved as a team, but we will be back at Road Atlanta with the effort to finish the season strong.”
With some time off, Hixon Motor Sports will return to the track in Braselton, Georgia for the final round of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich Tires October 11-13.