I’m just returning from a spectacular weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The IMSA WeatherTech Championship had their penultimate round of 2026 there, along with a lot of other IMSA-sanctioned series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup series was no different, with the season narrowing down to the championship finale at Petit LeMans next week.
It was a tremendous MX-5 Cup double-header at Indy, with great weather for fans and competitors alike, as we saw a first-time winner in the series as well as a points-lead change to shake up the championship right before the season finale.
Series regular Nathan Nicholson scored his first win in the series at Indy. Not only that, but it happened at his home track, too! Nathan lives just an hour away from The Brickyard, making his victory there extra sweet. It was exciting to witness this special milestone with so many of his family members there.
As things continued to unfold throughout the weekend, the current points leader had mechanical trouble in the final minutes of race two, which ultimately would hand the points lead over to Bobby Gossett.
This change in the championship standings sets us up for an exciting final two races at Petit LeMans next week. The Rookie of the Year championship seems to be fairly well set, since we saw current rookie leader Frankie Barosso get his first finish on the podium at Indy. That extended his points lead among the rookies and gives him a bit of breathing room heading into the last event of the season.
I can guarantee you one thing: Petit LeMans will be a wild one with so much on the line and at such an iconic event that’s special for both competitors and fans.