Tincknell, Jarvis to Guest Star in iRacing Global Mazda MX-5 Cup

Mazda DPi drivers Harry Tincknell and Oliver Jarvis will guest star in this evening’s opening round of the Ricmotech iRacing Global Mazda MX-5 Cup at virtual Barber Motorsports Park.

Tincknell and Jarvis, who will not be eligible to score points, are among the 35 entries set to take part in the action that includes three former Battery Tender Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires Champions and five Mazda Road to 24 Shootout winners.

The virtual series kicks off at with practice at 6 p.m. ET followed by qualifying and the race at 8:15 p.m., which will be streamed live on Mazda Motorsport’s Facebook page and on the ApexRacingTV YouTube page.

Among the entrants vying for $8,000 in prize money are former Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Champions Nikko Reger (2018), Patrick Gallagher (2017) and Steven McAleer (2012).

Other notables include Mazda Road to 24 Shootout winners Justin Piscitell (2009), Glenn McGee (2015), Matt Cresci (2016), Selin Rollan (2017) and Michael Carter (2018).

McGee found his way to MX-5 Cup via sim racing. He was the first MX-5 Cup iRacing Champion, which earned him a spot in the 2015 Mazda Road to 24 Shootout, which he won.

His experience with the MX-5 Cup car both real and virtual platforms will likely make him a tough opponent.

McGee scored the fasted lap overall in an open practice (1:39.071) on May 3, but it was Cresci who recorded the fastest lap average (1:40.356).

“I started my racing career in simulators almost a decade ago and haven’t really touched them since,” Cresci said.

“However, the pandemic has pushed my work and coaching back to the virtual world for the time being. I have a very basic wheel/pedal setup, paired with a small single monitor. However, I did finally upgrade from the infamous “desk and carpet setup” to a proper racing seat and mount.”