SEBRING, Fla. (March 17, 2021) – Reigning Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires champion Michael Carter set the fastest practice lap Wednesday at Sebring International Raceway. Carter’s quickest lap came in the second of the two practice sessions.

He doesn’t have much experience around the 3.74-mile, 17-turn Sebring circuit, but you’d never know it based on his fast times. And despite breaking a steering rack in the first practice session, Carter’s No. 08 Carter Racing Enterprises MX-5 was back out in the second session. Unfortunately, in the rush to replace the steering rack, the fuel tank didn’t get replenished and after turning his quick lap of 2:26.641, the car shut off and he pulled off track.

“We’re still having some issues, handling wise, so it’s a wonder it’s as fast as it is,” Carter said. “We’ll get those things sorted and squeeze some more speed out of this thing.”

Justin Piscitell (No. 89 McCumbee McAleer Racing), reigning champion of the Spec MX-5 Challenge Series presented by Toyo Tires, was second-quick with a lap of 2:26.847.

On Thursday, March 18 Mazda, MX-5 Cups teams will qualify at 11:40am ET and race at 4:20pm ET. The 45-minute race will be streamed live on IMSA.com. Race Two takes place Friday, March 19 at 9:00am ET and will also be streamed live on IMSA.com.