Sebastien Bourdais, a four-time IndyCar champion and current FIA World Endurance Championship driver, will race as a guest in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Feb 27-Mar 1). Bourdais aims to generate funds for the Karts4Kids charity, which supports Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, by featuring donors’ names on his race car. This event marks his return to the St. Pete track where he previously won twice in IndyCar, although he hasn’t raced there since 2021. Bourdais expressed excitement about returning to his home race and competing with McCumbee McAleer Racing.
By the NumbersBourdais has won the St. Pete IndyCar race twice.Donations for Karts4Kids start at $5,000. State of PlayThe MX-5 Cup season began last month at Daytona with a record-setting field.Bourdais is scheduled to test with his team at Carolina Motorsports Park on February 17. What’s Next
Bourdais’s participation may attract attention to the Karts4Kids charity, potentially increasing donations during the St. Petersburg event. The results of the doubleheader races will provide insight into how well he adapts to the MX-5 Cup machinery.
Bottom Line
Bourdais’s engagement in the Mazda MX-5 Cup not only revives his connection to St. Pete but also highlights the impact of motorsport in fundraising, potentially increasing charity visibility while allowing fans to support a noble cause.