Parker DeLong Triumphs at Road Atlanta; Jeremy Fletcher Secures Championship
Road Atlanta, GA – The 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin came to a thrilling conclusion at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, marked by a dramatic last-lap sprint. Parker DeLong, driving the No. 42 for Parker DeLong Racing, captured his first career victory in the series, while Jeremy Fletcher of McCumbee McAleer Racing clinched the championship title and a $250,000 prize.
Fletcher solidified his championship status by finishing the race, benefitting from the early retirement of his closest rival, Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 Advanced Autosports), who was forced to withdraw due to mechanical issues midway through the race. Fletcher’s resilience throughout the season was a key factor in his success.
The race commenced with a competitive field largely made up of drivers still seeking their first MX-5 Cup win, including notable rookies Helio Meza, Noah Harmon, and Justin Adakonis. However, it was Nicholson who initially led the pack before his untimely retirement, leaving the door open for others to contest for the win.
The restart saw Harmon momentarily take the lead, battling with rookie Marcello Paniccia (No. 19 Saito Motorsports Group) until DeLong surged forward. He gained the lead just before the second full-course caution, setting the stage for a one-lap shootout once the track was cleared.
During the final lap, Paniccia attempted to overtake DeLong at Turn 10 but lost control, allowing DeLong to secure the victory. “This was amazing,” DeLong remarked. “We’ve worked really hard for this. It’s just me and my family doing this, and it really means a lot.”
Harmon finished a close second, just 0.119 seconds behind. Despite his strong finish, he ultimately fell short of capturing the Rookie of the Year title, which went to Meza, who finished fourth. Adakonis celebrated his first MX-5 Cup podium, crediting Fletcher for his guidance throughout the season.
Fletcher’s championship win marks a significant milestone in the 2025 season, as he emerged notably consistent. “It was a classic MX-5 Cup race to finish the season,” Harmon stated, feeling optimistic about his team’s achievements.
Two-time series champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) rounded out the top five. The MX-5 Cup series will conclude on October 23 at Martinsville Speedway for a non-points money race, where the winner will take home $25,000.
All 2025 Mazda MX-5 Cup races are available for streaming on the RACER YouTube channel.
