Dec 17, 2025
Supply, North Carolina – December 17, 2025 – McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) is proud to announce its 2026 driver lineup for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC). Building on a highly successful 2025 campaign, MMR will field the No. 13 Ford Mustang GT4 for the full season with rising talents Nate Cicero and 2024 and 2025 Mustang Challenge champion Robert Noaker behind the wheel.
Founded by Chad McCumbee and Stevan McAleer, MMR has solidified its reputation as a premier development powerhouse in North American motorsports. The team enters the 2026 season carrying significant momentum, having finished 4th in the 2025 Championship standings. The standout season included a commanding victory at Road America and a hard-fought 2nd place finish at Watkins Glen International, proving the team's capability to contend for the title.
The pairing of Cicero and Noaker highlights MMR’s continued dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent through the Ford Driver Development Program. Both drivers bring impressive resumes and a history of speed to the No. 13 entry.Chad McCumbee, team owner, reflected on the upcoming season:
“Coming off a very successful 2025, this announcement solidifies our 2026 season to be just as positive. I am very excited to continue our long standing relationship with Nate and equally excited to welcome Robert to the team. Both of these guys have shown so much promise with their outstanding results over the past few years. Being able to have this driver pairing continues to build on the successful Ford Driver Development Program. MMR is humbled to be able to continue in developing the future stars and programs of this sport.”
Our Drivers
Nate Cicero returns to the team with high expectations after a breakout partial season in 2025. Joining MMR for the final five races of last year, Cicero delivered a historic performance, reeling off three consecutive pole positions (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Road America, and VIR). He converted that speed into a maiden victory at Road America in just his third career series start, while also setting a new qualifying lap record at Virginia International Raceway.
“I am really excited to be joining McCumbee McAleer Racing in our Ford Mustang GT4 for the full Michelin Pilot Challenge season in 2026!” said Cicero. “We had a strong end to our 2025 campaign having joined for the last 5 races, with 3 poles for myself and a win. I can't wait to build on our momentum. Teaming up with Robert will be awesome for this season! Having dominated in Mustang challenge over the last two years and a very solid run at Indianapolis in the Ford Mustang GT4, I believe we will make an extremely strong pairing. Can’t wait to get this season underway!”
Joining Cicero is Robert Noaker, a driver known for his race-craft and consistency. Noaker sees the pairing as a perfect opportunity to chase a championship.
“I'm excited to be joining McCumbee McAleer Racing for the 2026 Michelin Pilot Challenge season in GS in the #13 Ford Mustang GT4 alongside Nate Cicero!” said Noaker. “The team has the car in a very good spot and being paired up with Nate, with his experience and success with the car last year, I feel we have everything needed to go chase wins and have a run for the championship. I can't thank Ford Racing and MMR enough to have the simulator available to prepare myself as best as possible for the season ahead. Looking forward to getting to Daytona and seeing what we can do.”
2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Kick Off
The 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season kicks off with the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway, setting the stage for what promises to be a championship-contending year for MMR.
While today’s announcement focuses on the team’s GS program, MMR is preparing for a comprehensive 2026 campaign across multiple series. Further announcements regarding the team’s entries and driver lineups for additional Ford GT4, Ford Mustang Challenge, and Mazda MX-5 Cup programs will be released in the coming weeks.