Sep 14, 2024
Supply, North Carolina — McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) with AEROSPORT is proud to announce that Nate Cicero, a standout driver from their Sports Car ladder system, will step into the No. 13 Ford Mustang GT4, sponsored by Vervantis, alongside Jenson Altzman at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 120. Cicero will be filling in for team co-owner Chad McCumbee for the ninth round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Championship.
Nate Cicero’s rise through the MMR ranks is a testament to the effectiveness of the team’s developmental ladder system. Cicero began his racing career at Stevan McAleer’s karting school, then advanced to compete in the highly competitive Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Championship. From there, he progressed into the Mustang Challenge Series and now makes his leap into the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
At just 19 years old, Cicero’s racing résumé is impressive. He earned the title of 2023 MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year and currently ranks fourth in the MX-5 Cup standings. Earlier this year, he made his debut in the Mustang Challenge Series, finishing an impressive fifth at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Cicero’s consistent success across multiple racing platforms highlights the strength of the MMR Sports Car ladder system in grooming future GT4 talent.
Chad McCumbee, team owner, commented:"Nate’s journey within our team is exactly what we envisioned when we built our ladder system. He’s more than earned this opportunity to race in the GT4 class alongside Jenson, and we’re confident he’ll showcase his skills at Indy."
Stevan McAleer, team owner, added:"Watching Nate’s progression from karting to competing in the top tier of American GT4 racing has been an incredible journey. His hard work, combined with the team’s current momentum, makes me believe they can contend for a podium this weekend."
Nate Cicero, co-driver of the No. 13 Ford Mustang GT4, said:"I’m beyond excited to race in the Michelin Pilot Challenge with McCumbee McAleer Racing! After successes in the MX-5 Cup and Mustang Challenge, I’m ready to take the next step at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway."
Jenson Altzman, co-driver of the No. 13 Ford Mustang GT4, is equally excited:"It’s great to see the MMR ladder system in action, and I’m thrilled to have Nate on board at Indy. The team has been pushing hard, and we’re aiming to close out the season with strong results."
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway 120 weekend begins with two practice sessions on Friday, September 20, followed by qualifying early Saturday. The green flag drops at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 21, with live coverage available on Peacock.
For more information on the event, visit IMSA’s official website.