Fletcher the Mazda MX-5 Cup driver to beat at VIR

The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup returns to action this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway. Race 1 takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, at 5:45pm ET. Race 2 is scheduled for 3:30pm ET on Sunday, Aug. 23. Both races will be air live on RACER Network and the RACER+ App, as well as on the RACER YouTube channel.

Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) has won the last four Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin races at VIRginia International Raceway. He started his quest to make it five in a row by setting the fastest practice time on Friday.

Despite at all his success at VIR, he seemed slightly surprised to have the fastest lap time of the day, a 2:07.976. He was the only driver to break into the 2:07 plane.

“Honestly we went out all alone,” Fletcher said. “I came back into the box and when I went back out, I found a lucky gap at the back. Myself and [Kevin] Stelly and Dalton [Dow] really have the car dialed in. I’m really comfortable at this place and hopefully we can continue the streak."

Fletcher, the defending champion, has had a tough start to the season and is hoping VIR will be a turning point.

“I hope to win every weekend at every place we show up, but we just need some points,” Fletcher said. “We need to finish this weekend and move on to the rest of the season.”

• Saturday at VIR begins with qualifying at 8:50am ET. The Round Nine race will take place later in the day at 5:45pm ET. Sunday’s Round 10 race is slated to start at 3:30pm ET. Both races will be streamed live on the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels.