For Chuck Mactutus, Daytona International Speedway is familiar territory. The historic Florida circuit has been a key part of his racing résumé for years through Spec Miata competition. But this week marks a different kind of milestone as Mactutus steps onto the IMSA stage for the Mazda MX-5 Cup season opener with AAG Racing during Rolex 24 week.

While Mactutus has previously raced at Daytona with the SCCA, the opportunity to compete as part of IMSA with AAG Racing in the #60 brings a new level of excitement.

“I have raced at Daytona before in Spec Miata with the SCCA, but IMSA is a whole other level of excitement, especially with the Rolex 24 being there,” Mactutus said. “That’s really exciting. And this team, AAG, is really top-notch.”

Preparation has been a major focus leading into the weekend. Mactutus logged extensive seat time during a recent test, building confidence ahead of the season opener.

“I did some extensive testing about a month ago—I actually got eight hours of track time working with my coach, Sam Paley, who’s gotten pole at Daytona twice,” he said. “So I’m feeling confident going into the race.”

Part of the Rolex 24 Spotlight

The Mazda MX-5 Cup once again plays a prominent role during Rolex 24 week, placing drivers and teams in front of massive crowds and global attention.

“I think it’s one of the biggest Rolex 24s they’ve had, if not the biggest,” Mactutus said. “MX-5 Cup always draws fans because of the close racing, which is a different skill compared to endurance racing. It’s good to have that variety during the week, and it’s very cool to be part of showcasing a spec racing series like this.”

Balancing that atmosphere with the demands of competition is key, particularly with longer race distances than Mactutus is accustomed to.

“A lot of it comes down to focusing on qualifying and the draft,” he said. “Those are the two most important things, along with keeping the car clean. I’m not used to doing 45-minute races—SCCA races are usually 30 minutes—so you really have to keep your focus up. The racing is more intense, for sure.”

Daytona Experience Pays Off

Mactutus’ familiarity with Daytona gives him a valuable edge. His most recent visit came during the 2025 SARRC weekend, where he and teammate Bobby Gossett dominated the field.

“I was most recently there in August 2025 running the SARRC with my Spec Miata team, Rossini and Salty Dog Racing,” Mactutus said. “We finished one-two in both races, and Bobby clinched the championship. I’ve been racing at Daytona since 2019, when I won my first SARRC Invitational Championship. So I have a decent amount of drafting experience there.”

While the track layout has evolved—particularly through the Le Mans Chicane and back straight—Mactutus feels prepared for the changes.

“The track itself has changed, but thankfully I had testing time,” he said. “It’s harder without the grass reference points, and the curbs are sharper. But the MX-5 Cup car is more compliant over the bumps, so it’s not as big of an adjustment as I expected.”

Adjusting to the MX-5 Cup Car

Transitioning from Spec Miata to MX-5 Cup machinery has brought noticeable differences.

“The biggest difference is ABS,” Mactutus explained. “You don’t really have to worry about locking up a wheel like you do in Spec Miata.”

His versatility across multiple racing disciplines has also played a role in his adaptability.

“I’ve done a couple of endurance races, and they’re always rewarding because you get a lot of seat time,” he said. “Learning a track over a long period is a very useful skill.”

That endurance background has provided insight into strategy, pit stops, and race control—elements that don’t always factor into sprint racing.

“In endurance racing, pit stops and penalties really affect the race,” Mactutus said. “That’s something you don’t always get in sprint racing, and it could come into play in MX-5 Cup.”

A Unique Perspective from the Flag Stand

One of Mactutus’ most unique credentials is his experience as an SCCA flagger and corner worker—an uncommon crossover that gives him a broader view of racing.

“Flagging is actually really fun,” he said. “Seeing races from a different perspective, especially listening to race control on the radio, is really interesting. Things look very different from the corner compared to inside the car. I honestly recommend anyone interested in racing try corner working.”

Teamwork, Trust, and Drafting at Daytona

Mactutus will share the AAG Racing lineup with Fernando Luque Jr., who is making his first start in sports car racing. While the two haven’t yet had much time to work together, Mactutus emphasized how important trust and communication are within a sports car team.

“Like any sports car team, trust between teammates is very important,” he said. “You share feedback, so that trust matters. Sam and I will help work through data with him, but on track it’s every driver for themselves.”

If there’s one piece of advice Mactutus believes would be critical for a rookie teammate at Daytona, it’s mastering bump drafting.

“Keep it clean and work on bump drafting,” Mactutus said. “Get comfortable with it—that’s the first step for any MX-5 Cup driver. Hand signals are important too, especially when the cars get hot during bump drafting.”

The impact of the draft at Daytona cannot be overstated.

“Without a draft, you’re doing about 130 into Turn 1. With a draft, you’re doing 150,” Mactutus explained. “You need to line up square, not hit off-center, and avoid constant pushing.”

Unlike Spec Miata racing, where drafting often works best in pairs, MX-5 Cup competition forms larger packs.

“In MX-5 Cup, it’s more of a three- or four-car train,” he said. “That’s a big adjustment, especially with so many rookies.”

Patience, Aggression, and Expectations

With 44 cars on the grid, managing race flow will be just as important as outright speed.

“Staying attached to the front pack—maybe 10 to 15 cars—is key,” Mactutus said. “If you’re in the top five on the final lap, you’ve got a great shot at winning.”

Support from longtime sponsor Salty Dog Café adds another layer of motivation.

“It’s a huge privilege to represent such a great brand,” he said. “They’re a Hilton Head legend, and I’m very thankful for their support.”

As for defining success at Daytona, Mactutus keeps his expectations straightforward.

“Top five would be a success,” he said. “As long as I’m in the front pack with a shot at the win, I’d be happy.”

Beyond the Helmet: What’s Next

Daytona is only the beginning of a busy 2026 schedule for Mactutus, which includes additional Mazda MX-5 Cup events, ChampCar racing, Spec Miata competition, NASA Championships at Sebring, and appearances in the FARA series.

“I’ve got a full schedule across a lot of organizations,” Mactutus said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

That schedule will soon include a new challenge—street course racing at St. Petersburg. While Mactutus hasn’t yet competed in a street race, he’s already familiar with the environment.

“I was at St. Pete last year spotting for Bobby,” he said. “I’ve done the track walk and seen it up close. Drafting isn’t nearly as important there—it really comes down to setup and passing into Turn 3. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Away from the track, Mactutus finds balance through a variety of interests beyond racing.

“I’ve got other hobbies for sure,” he said. “I’m into music, stereos, and photography. I do some film photography stuff.”

He also operates a driver coaching business, helping support his racing efforts while giving back to the grassroots community.

“I have my own coaching business,” Mactutus added. “I work with a few dedicated Spec Miata clients, and it helps support the racing as well.”

As the green flag approaches at Daytona, Mactutus enters Mazda MX-5 Cup competition with experience, preparation, and a full schedule ahead—ready to take on one of the most competitive grids in North American racing while continuing to build a multifaceted motorsports career.