Category:
IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
Author:
KM Advisory
Read:
11 mins
Location:
Florida (USA)
Date:
Jan 16, 2026
The debut takes place at the traditional Daytona International Speedway in Florida
The premiere takes place at the traditional Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Florida (USA), January 16, 2026 After concluding the 2025 season in style, with the title of the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, Brazilian driver Kiko Porto (Toyota Gazoo Racing / Team: Rafa Racing) is ready to take another important step in his journey in North American motorsport. The Pernambuco native begins this weekend his first season in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, one of the main showcases of touring car racing in the United States. This is a venue that holds great memories for Kiko. In the previous season, the Brazilian secured pole position and two victories on the circuit. Now, the challenge is even greater: a new category, longer races, and teamwork. Kiko will have American Varun Choksey as his teammate, and together they will defend the colors of the Rafa Racing team, racing in the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2. The 2026 season of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge will feature ten rounds throughout the year. Before the first race, the drivers participate in the traditional Roar Before the 24, which serves as a major testing and preparation period. Over this weekend, there will be five official practice sessions, two of them taking place this Friday (16). From January 21 to 25, the opening round of the championship will take place in Daytona, featuring a four-hour endurance race.
"Last year, here in Daytona, we managed a pole position and two victories. Now, in the new category, we will have longer races, with teammates, driver swaps, tire strategy, fuel... so everything is much more complex. But I am very happy with this opportunity. It will be my first time spending so much time in the car," emphasized Kiko.
Another special detail marks the beginning of this new phase: the return of the number 12 to the Brazilian's car. The number accompanied Kiko Porto throughout his whole career in karting and also at the beginning of his career in formula cars. "It's a number that has accompanied me my entire life, which is so special. So I am very happy to have this extra bit of luck. I am really very pleased. Let’s go for it!" the driver concluded. About the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Considered the showcase of IMSA, the Michelin Pilot Challenge brings the latest in sports cars from dealerships to the tracks, gathering high-performance models in fierce competitions. The category features cars seen on the streets and roads all over the world and promotes races in two classes: Grand Sport (GS) and Touring Car (TCR), always with large grids and a high technical level.
Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Advisory Kiko Porto on Instagram: @kikoporto_12 Kiko Porto on YouTube: @KikoPorto12 Kiko Porto's website: www.kikoporto.com.br
