ALTON, Va. — The latest Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout winner, Nate Cicero proved the judges made the right choice by earning his debut win at VIRginia International Raceway on Saturday. Connor Zilisch, who is Cicero’s predecessor when it comes to winning the MX-5 Cup Shootout, controlled most of the 45-minute race. When the white flag came out, Opalski made his move for the lead on the back straight and brought Thomas and Cicero with him. I stayed patient and got the car in a good position at the end and it was a drag race to the finish line. I wanted to stay out front and control the race and that’s what I did. Opalski had the lead exiting the final corner but was fourth by the time he got to the finish line.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•