Former competitors and current co-drivers form new team with sponsorship from ModSpace
A former champion is returning to the SCCA Pro Racing Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich® Tires, and bringing along his driving partner with him to form a new team in the series. Stevan McAleer, the 2012 MX-5 Cup Champion, is teaming with Chad McCumbee to form McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) and, together, with sponsorship from ModSpace, the pair will compete in the series as ModSpace Motorsports.
McAleer and McCumbee have partnered driving MX-5s for CJ Wilson Racing in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Street Tuner category. McCumbee previously raced stock cars, moving into sports cars in 2012, also in MX-5 Cup.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity to be teamed with Stevan, not only as co-drivers, but now as business partners,” McCumbee said. “As different as our career paths have been, it has created a very successful combination on the track and I see nothing but positives in our ownership roles. Since my move from professional stock car racing into sports cars, I have always been behind the wheel of a Mazda. The chance to become a larger part of the Mazda family is a very exciting opportunity.”
ModSpace Motorsports will be based in McCumbee’s hometown of Supply, N.C. The team combines two fast drivers in the spec series, both of who have proven their speed in the MX-5 Cup cars. McAleeer, a native of Glasgow, Scotland and a four-time Scottish Open karting champion, won the 2012 MX-5 Cup title with three wins and eight podiums. The pair’s last outing was at Daytona, where they competed in the No. 3 ModSpace MX-5 for CJWR in the Continental Series.
“ModSpace is proud to be aligned this year with MMR and Mazda,” says William Mann, Vice President of Motorsports for ModSpace. “This year marks the fourth season that ModSpace and Mazda have partnered in the Mazda MX-5 Cup series. However, this is an exciting new venture for Chad and Stevan as owners. As team owners, this is a great opportunity for these drivers to pass along their knowledge to other young competitors coming up through the ranks. Chad and Stevan are demonstrating that there is no limit to what you can achieve when you are dedicated and committed to this industry. ModSpace knows that with their racing and business experience, they will be a winning team. Our organization is excited to be a part of it.”
The 12-race 2015 Idemitsu MX-5 Cup Presented by BFGoodrich® Tires begins with a doubleheader at Sebring International Raceway on March 18-21 on the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring weekend.