With the 2022 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BF Goodrich nearing the end, Copeland Motorsports has already begun preparations for their 2023 campaign. With a new schedule announced for next season, the potent program will head to the 3.27-mile long VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) this weekend to complete some unfinished business. Bringing a trio of drivers, race winner Tyler Gonzalez will lead the squad into the weekend with Max Opalski and Jameson Riley looking for career-best results.

“It is that time of the year again,” explained Dean Copeland. “We have drivers contacting us about all our programs for 2023, but our goal is to finish 2022 strong. VIR is a tricky place, but we have had some success there in the past. I am confident we can leave there this season with some solid results.”

With two wins on the season at Daytona and Watkins Glen, Tyler Gonzlaez will be looking for more at VIR. With nothing to lose in the championship points table, the young Floridian will look to be aggressive and bring Copeland Motorsports to the top. Rookie MX-5 Cup drivers Jameson Riley and Max Opalski will flank Gonzlaez in the Copeland Motorsports driver lineup with each driver showing the speed and earning top-ten results as of late.

Copeland added, “The goal is to win this weekend. We are not racing or even focused on the championship but more on race results to finish 2022 on a high and build the momentum needed for a successful season in 2023.”

Copeland Motorsports drivers will hit the 16-turn track on Friday for two practice sessions while Saturday will feature the ever-important qualifying in the morning before race one in the afternoon. Sunday morning will be the home for race two on the weekend.

Watch the races Live with Commentary on IMSA.TV or RACER.COM.

Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 26
Practice – 8:00am
Practice – 11:45am

Saturday, August 27
Qualifying – 9:00am
Race 1 – 1:00pm

Sunday, August 28
Race 2 – 10:30am

Photo Credit: Ignite Media