Jared Thomas and JTR Motorsports will fight for the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup wins in Daytona. Set to compete for the title in the 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season, Jared Thomas will drive the #96 Mazda in the family-operated race program with multiple goals as he enters a new season of competition.
Thomas enters the season with proven success in the MX-5 Cup championship. During the 2025 season, he captured two race victories and recorded three podium finishes in ten starts, showcasing both speed and consistency. The momentum followed a strong 2024 campaign, in which Thomas earned one win, five podium finishes, and two pole positions, firmly establishing himself as a front-running competitor in the ultra-competitive series.
In addition to his Mazda MX-5 Cup achievements, Thomas brings a diverse and accomplished background across multiple professional racing platforms. His experience includes competition in the Porsche Sprint Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, Spec Miata, and the Michelin 992 Endurance Cup, among others. This wide-ranging résumé provides valuable technical insight and race craft that further strengthens the JTR Motorsports program.
“Racing with a family-based program like our JTR Motorsports effort means a lot to me,” explained Jared Thomas. “Winning is always the ultimate goal, but what truly matters is the overall performance of the team and the results we achieve together across all our drivers. When everyone is competitive and pushing each other forward, the wins and championships will follow.”
Thomas added, “Bringing nine drivers to Daytona shows our commitment to the series, and we would like nothing but to leave the first event of the season with a couple victories and a handful of podium results.”
With Thomas confirmed, JTR Motorsports enters the 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season with a deep, experienced, and highly competitive driver lineup, focused on collective success and championship-contending performances.
The 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season will officially begin with the first two wheel-to-wheel races of the year at Daytona International Speedway, taking place January 21–23 during the famed Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend.
For more information on JTR Motorsports Engineering, please contact Dave Thomas via email at HERE or visit their website at www.JTRMotorsportsEngineering.com.
Photo Credit: JTR Motorsports Engineering