The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup headed west to Laguna Seca for the penultimate event of the season. Gresham Wagner and Spark Performance entered the weekend second in the points championship, looking to capitalize before the season finale at Road Atlanta.
IMSA
Consistent runs at Mid-Ohio boost Wagner’s championship effort
After a DNF in Race 1 at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Wagner and the Spark Performance team were aiming to get back on consistent form at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. A fourth place in Race 1, followed by a second place finish in Race 2, achieved that goal and helped recover from the points lost at the previous event. Wagner now sits second in the championship (-40 points) heading into the MX-5 Cup summer break.
Podium run marred by Race 1 DNF at St. Petersburg
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.
Wagner adds win and podium at Sebring
After leaving the opening rounds of the 2021 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup at Daytona with a win and third place, Wagner replicated the results at the Sebring International Raceway. Race 1’s final lap culminated in Wagner finishing third and missing the victory by .013 seconds after a three-way drag race to the finish line. In Race 2, after learning from the finish of Race 1, Wagner made a last corner pass to bring the Spark Performance #5 entry the second win on the season.
2021 opens with Daytona win and points lead
2021 began in promising fashion for Gresham Wagner and the Spark Performance team at the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup events at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The pairing opened up the first practice session of the season with the fastest lap before securing a double pole position for the pair of 45-minute races around the Daytona Road Course.