JTR Motorsports Confirms Jameson Riley for 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Program

January 8, 2026 - With several drivers already confirmed for the 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season, JTR Motorsports is pleased to announce the addition of Jameson Riley to its growing driver lineup. Bringing a wealth of experience from a variety of professional racing programs, Riley will drive the #66 entry in his return to the MX-5 Cup series after previously competing in the championship during the 2022 season.

“I can’t wait to get started with the 2026 season,” exclaimed an excited Riley. “A huge thanks to Dave Thomas, Jared Thomas, and the rest of the JTR Motorsports crew for giving us this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to a strong season in the MX-5 Cup and thank you to Riley Mazda and Riley Cars for their support this season.”

Riley’s return further strengthens a program that continues to expand in both depth and

competitiveness.

“We are building a big MX-5 Cup program for 2026, and Jameson is a major piece of our growing

puzzle,” explained Dave Thomas, Team Manager of JTR Motorsports. “Jameson will be a threat for results next season and a valuable addition to our lineup. We know we have the equipment to put him at the front, and I know he has the skill—it’s just a matter of having that luck come together on race weekends.”

Riley’s racing résumé spans multiple disciplines and continents. Beginning his career in karting at the age of ten in his home state of Connecticut, he later transitioned to open-wheel competition in the Skip Barber Racing Series, where he earned multiple race wins. His success led to a contract with the Volvo Factory Racing Team, competing alongside legendary driver Derek Bell.

Riley also gained experience in the SCCA Speed World Challenge, competed in the Grand-Am Rolex GT Series, and tested in the former American Le Mans Series with Panoz Racing. Over the years, he has served as a test driver for numerous manufacturers and raced on circuits across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Now, his focus returns squarely to the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin.

Entering 2026 with support from Riley Mazda (rileymazda.com) and Riley Cars (rileycars.com) which includes Volvo, Mazda, and pre-owned stores, Jameson Riley is hoping for sales success with success of his own on the track in a prominent business-to-business race program.

With Riley joining an already strong roster, JTR Motorsports continues to build momentum as

preparations intensify for the opening rounds of the 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season.

The 2026 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season will officially begin with the first two wheel-to-wheel races of the year at Daytona International Speedway, taking place January 21–23 during the famed Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend.