The Spark Performance #5 had a pair of contrasting results at the Streets of St. Petersburg. After a strong qualifying run, Wagner was challenging for the Race 1 win in the lead breakaway until a transmission issue forced a permanent trip to the pitlane. Wagner was running third at the time, and instead was credited with a P17 finish. The team worked for hours to repair the car in time for the afternoon’s Race 2. However, recurring mechanical issues limited the overall pace of the car in the second race. Wagner managed the issues throughout the 45 minute race and crossed the line for a third place finish, a few seconds behind the winning pace.
Entering the event at St. Petersburg as the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup championship leader, Wagner’s efforts to maintain his advantage were damaged with his non-finish results in the first race. He fell to second in the points championship after Race 1, and needed a top 5 result in Race 2 to stabilize the points loss. His third place finish allowed the team to leave the Streets of St. Petersburg with some points and a chance to rebound at the next event.
The 2021 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup makes its annual visit to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on May 14-16 for Rounds 7 & 8. Wagner earned his first win the series at Mid-Ohio in 2020, and has 4 podium finishes at the venue since 2019.