Two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Earl Bamber will make his MX-5 Cup return at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking his first appearance since debuting at Martinsville Speedway last October. Bamber’s comeback highlights his continued passion for the series and his eagerness to face the challenges of street racing in this competitive field.
Rejoining Hendricks Motorsports for the Upcoming Race Weekend
Bamber will reunite with Hendricks Motorsports behind the wheel of the #21 Mazda MX-5, a car initially driven by Westin Workman during the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This collaboration brings together Bamber’s vast racing experience with a strong team familiar with the MX-5 platform.
Recent Success and Upcoming Commitments in Endurance Racing
Most recently, Bamber and his Cadillac Whelen Action Express Racing teammates secured a second-place finish at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Following the St. Petersburg event, he will shift focus back to endurance racing, beginning his FIA World Endurance Championship season with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA.
Notable MX-5 Cup Rivalries and Guest Drivers at St. Pete
Among Bamber’s competitors will be his co-driver Sébastien Bourdais, who will also participate as a guest driver for McCumbee McAleer Racing at St. Petersburg. Bourdais’s involvement supports the Kart4Kids charity, adding a philanthropic dimension to the event while intensifying the competition with several young and ambitious full-time MX-5 Cup drivers.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, presented by Michelin, will run two races during the St. Petersburg weekend on February 28 and March 1, complementing the opening round of the IndyCar Series. Fans can watch both races live through the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels.
Bamber Looks Forward to New Challenges on the Streets
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into the Mazda field and into the car,”
said Bamber.
“I had a great time at Martinsville and it’s such a welcoming paddock. I’m looking forward to Saint Pete. It’s a track I’ve never been at, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of street racing one of these machines.”
?Earl Bamber, Driver
