Jan 21, 2026
McCumbee McAleer Racing Announces 2026 Mazda MX-5 Cup Driver Lineup
Championship Defenders Return, Rookie Talent Joins, and Familiar Faces Make Select Starts
Daytona International Speedway – January 21, 2026 – McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) is proud to announce its full-season driver lineup for the 2026 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. Returning to the grid are reigning series champion Jeremy Fletcher (#22) and rising star Justin Adakonis (#23), both of whom are expected to contend for the overall title this season. MMR also welcomes promising rookie Will Robinson (#51) to the team, with Joe (#17) and Joey Rainey (#30) set to compete in select rounds throughout the year.
Coming off back-to-back championship-winning seasons, MMR enters 2026 with momentum, depth, and a clear goal: defend their dominance in the most competitive grassroots series in North America.
“Mazda MX-5 Cup has always been the foundation of everything that MMR does,” said Chad McCumbee, Co-Owner of McCumbee McAleer Racing. “We are coming off back-to-back championship seasons and I expect to be in contention yet again in 2026 with our driver lineup. I am very much looking forward to getting to Daytona.”
Jeremy Fletcher returns as the 2025 Champion, ready to defend his title in the #22 machine:
“I’m excited to be coming back to MX-5 Cup with MMR. This season is focused on defending my title—being the reigning champion is something I’m extremely proud of. Also, to be back with MMR is amazing as this team feels like family, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to fight for another championship with Simpson Racing Products and The Gun And Holster Store on board for this year.”
Justin Adakonis returns for a sophomore season with eyes on the top step:
“Really excited to be back with MMR this year. We showed a lot of potential last year and I am excited to build off that experience. I think there is potential to have a lot of success this year and I am really looking forward to getting on track at Daytona!”
Will Robinson, new to the MX-5 Cup grid, brings determination and Miata roots to his rookie season:
“I am really excited to race in the MX-5 Cup with MMR. I started my racing career in Miatas and have always thought of the MX-5 Cup as one of the coolest and most exciting racing series. I’m lucky to have this chance and grateful to join such an outstanding team. MMR has some of the most talented people in the paddock—it’s an honor to be a part of their winning tradition.”
Joe and Joey Rainey, will also represent MMR in select events throughout 2026, bringing familiar energy and experience back into the paddock.
Daytona Race Week: Let’s Go Racing
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Cup season opens at Daytona International Speedway, where MMR will field five entries for the first doubleheader of the year.
🗓 Wednesday, January 21
• Practice #1 – 1:00 PM ET
• Practice #2 – 4:15 PM ET
🗓 Thursday, January 22
• Qualifying – 11:55 AM ET
• Autograph Session – 2:30 PM ET (Mazda Activation Area)
• Race #1 – 5:15 PM ET
🗓 Friday, January 23
• Race #2 – 10:00 AM ET
📺 Watch all the action live on IMSA.tv or IMSA’s YouTube Channel (for international viewers).
Representing MMR at Daytona:
🏁 #17 Joe Rainey
🏁 #22 Jeremy Fletcher
🏁 #23 Justin Adakonis
🏁 #30 Joey Rainey
🏁 #51 Will Robinson
About McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) Based in Supply, North Carolina, McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) is a professional racing team competing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the Mazda MX-5 Cup. Founded by veteran racers Chad McCumbee and Stevan McAleer, the team focuses on driver development and competitive excellence.