Tyler Gonzalez claimed victory in the season-opening Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona International Speedway, advancing from 14th position to first place in challenging mixed weather conditions.

The race, marked by cold temperatures and light rain, saw all competitors switch to rain tires before the start. Early race leader and pole-sitter Nate Cicero gambled with a pit stop for slick tires, while defending champion Gresham Wagner retired due to mechanical issues.

Gonzalez battled with Bryce Cornet and rookie Ethan Goulart at the front, with their trio eventually growing to a six-car pack as rain intensified. The race concluded under yellow flag conditions with six minutes remaining due to Christian Hodneland's engine failure, securing Gonzalez's third Daytona MX-5 Cup victory.

Key race highlights:

• Ethan Goulart finished second in his MX-5 Cup debut
• Bryce Cornet secured his first podium in four seasons
• Jeremy Fletcher won the Penske Shocking Performance Award, advancing from last to eighth
• Alex Bachoura earned the Takumi Award
• Six female drivers competed, with Heather Hadley finishing highest in 18th

The second race of the weekend is scheduled for Friday at 10:15am ET, with live streaming available on The RACER Channel on YouTube.

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