Expect more of the same in 2007, and without the presence of 2006 MX-5 Cup Champion Jim Daniels, it’s anyone’s guess who the next MX-5 master will be.
Texan Jason Saini (#28 AutobarnMazda/Saferacer.com) is certainly a title contender this year. Saini was runner-up to Daniels in the 2006 Championship and ended the season with a win at Road America in addition to four other top-five finishes.
Leading the Alara Racing contingent is Ara Malkhassian (#11 Alara Racing). Malkhassian finished fourth in the points last year on the strength of three top-five performances, including a second-place finish at the season finale.
Pratt Cole (#88 RP Motorsports) might have finished higher in the points last season had he not missed a round at Lime Rock Park. Cole picked up steam late in the season, qualifying in the top-five three times in the second half of the season
Although yet to race in MX-5 Cup competition, many drivers will have their sights set on young Andrew Caddell (#30 TeamMER/AimSport/PinnacleMazda). The 2006 SCCA Spec Miata National Champion won an MX-5 from Mazda after beating out two other SCCA National Champions in a unique shootout during the off season.
These are just a few of the drivers who could grace the podium this weekend, but as we saw last year, all bets are off until the checkered flag flies.
| 
|