Sébastien Bourdais to Compete in MX-5 Cup at St. Petersburg
Four-time Champ Car World Series champion Sébastien Bourdais is confirmed to make a guest appearance in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin at the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, from February 27 to March 1. He will drive for McCumbee McAleer Racing during the doubleheader weekend, which coincides with the IndyCar Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Bourdais, a Tampa-St. Petersburg resident for over 20 years, has previously won the IndyCar race at this venue in 2017 and 2018. This will mark his return to competitive racing in St. Petersburg since stepping away from the series in 2021.
“I’m super excited to once again race on the streets of St. Petersburg,” said Bourdais. “It’s a real thrill to join the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at such a meaningful place. Many thanks to Mazda and MMR for putting this together, and to Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA for allowing me to pursue this opportunity.”
In addition to competing, Bourdais aims to raise funds for Kart4Kids, benefiting Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Donations start at $5,000, allowing supporters to have their names featured on his car. “With the exposure from racing in one of North America’s most popular series, I hope we can generate even more support for this very worthy cause,” he emphasized.
Bourdais will conduct his first test of the Mazda MX-5 Cup car on February 17 at Carolina Motorsports Park. Chad McCumbee, co-owner of MMR, expressed excitement about Bourdais’ participation, noting, “I’ve known Seb through IMSA for many years… I did warn him—he’ll be much busier than a GTP race for this one.”
Following the St. Petersburg event, Bourdais will focus on the upcoming World Endurance Championship season with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA after departing from Tower Motorsports post-Robert 24 At Daytona.
Key Takeaways
- Driver: Sébastien Bourdais
- Team: McCumbee McAleer Racing
- Event: Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, St. Petersburg
- Dates: February 27 – March 1
- Charity: Kart4Kids for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
For ongoing updates, further details about the event, and information on Bourdais’ performance, fans and stakeholders can follow the MX-5 Cup’s official channels.
