The 2026 Spec Miata season on the Hoosier Super Tour kicked off with an exciting bang! Despite the chilly temperatures, the clear blue skies at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in sunny California set the stage for an unforgettable weekend after a foggy month.
A fantastic lineup of 18 cars took the green flag for the first qualifying session, marking a promising start to the season as drivers shook off the cobwebs of winter. Nick Leverone, in his #94 car, delivered an impressive performance to take pole position with a time of 2:02.611, demonstrating his consistent skill. He was closely followed by the tenacious Tyler Vance in the #1 car, clocking in at 2:02.638, while Jeremy Rutter completed the top three in the #37 with a solid 2:03.176.
The excitement continued into Saturday afternoon’s race, where Leverone held his pole position initially but soon found himself in a thrilling battle. Vance made a daring move, shuffling Leverone back to third as the Spec Miatas quickly formed a single-file line. However, Leverone, Vance, Wyatt Couch in the #66, and Rutter in the #37 broke away to form an exhilarating four-car pack. The intensity ramped up as Leverone, Vance, and Couch exchanged positions, creating an electric atmosphere and drawing Rutter and Ryan Busk in the #4 closer into the mix.
Though the race ended sooner than anticipated due to a full-course yellow from an overheated SMX with just six minutes remaining, the podium was filled with excitement. Tyler Vance took the top spot, followed by Wyatt Couch in second and Nick Leverone securing a well-deserved third.
On Sunday, the temperatures warmed up a bit more, setting the stage for an even more thrilling second race. This race proved to be anything but ordinary with a dramatic incident in turn one involving two SMX cars. Ryan Busk showcased his skills alongside William Rasmussen, who made a strong debut after missing race one.
The real highlight was the intense battle for third place between Leverone and Couch, who traded positions like seasoned pros, with Couch ultimately clinching it at the last moment. The race two podium featured Ryan Busk in first, William Rasmussen in a commendable second, and Couch in third, who also claimed the fastest lap of the race with an impressive 2:02.487.
Mark your calendars for March 6-8 as the Hoosier Super Tour crosses the country for its next exciting stop at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta! It’s going to be a thrilling season ahead!