A large field of Mazda MX-5s will hit the track beginning Wednesday as the series kicks off its 2026 season at Daytona with 44 entries.

The top four drivers from last season return to contend for the championship, highlighted by reigning series champion Jeremy Fletcher. Fletcher will look to improve on his results from last year’s Daytona races, where he finished eighth and sixth across the two events.

Jared Thomas and Tyler Gonzalez enter the season aiming to secure back-to-back victories at the famed circuit after claiming wins in the two season-opening rounds last year.

Other notable names include Tristan McKee and Julian DaCosta, both of whom are expected to spend more time in the ARCA Menards Series garage this season. McKee, one of the youngest winners in ARCA history, brings strong road course experience, as does DaCosta through his time competing in Trans Am.

Along with several NASCAR-affiliated drivers in the field, Gresham Wagner, Parker DeLong, Chuck Mactutus, and Fernando Luque Jr. highlight a competitive and deep entry list for the week ahead.

The Mazda MX-5 Cup weekend begins Wednesday with two practice sessions, followed by qualifying and Race 1 on Thursday. The event concludes Friday with the second and final race of the weekend.