Category:
IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge
Author:
KM Advisory
Read:
12 mins
Location:
Daytona (USA)
Date:
Jan 24, 2026
The Toyota driver from Pernambuco secured third place in qualifying, but an accident involving his teammate prevented him from entering the track.
Daytona (USA), January 24, 2025 The debut of the Pernambucan driver Kiko Porto (Banco Daycoval / Toyota Gazoo Racing / Team: Rafa Racing) in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge ended in disappointment this Friday (23) in Daytona. After teaming up with American Varun Choksey to secure an excellent third place in qualifying and ensuring a spot on the second row of the starting grid, the Brazilian did not get the chance to drive in the inaugural stage of the season. The early end of the race for the Rafa Racing team prevented the Toyota driver from showcasing his performance in the scheduled 4-hour race. Kiko's teammate, Varun, was having a consistent race in the GS category when an incident ended their race. During a yellow flag, Choksey ended up hitting a TCR car that was zigzagging to maintain the tire temperature. The collision was unavoidable and resulted in significant damage to the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 number 12.
Varun collided with another competitor shortly thereafter, and with the accumulated damage, the car was severely damaged, and the team had no choice but to abandon the race. For Kiko Porto, who was scheduled to take the wheel only in the second half of the race, there was the frustration of seeing his debut postponed due to circumstances beyond his control. "It wasn't the debut we had imagined, but in motorsport, this can happen; it's part of our sport. No one is to blame; we are a team when we win and when we lose; we are the same team. Let's move on to the next one," declared Kiko Porto. Rafa Racing and its drivers are now turning their attention to the next competition. The second round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is scheduled to take place from March 12 to 15 at Sebring International Raceway, also in Florida. It will be another chance for the team to showcase the potential of the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 at one of the most challenging tracks on the American calendar.
In Sebring, Kiko Porto will finally have the chance to make his official debut in the category, putting into practice all the preparation and dedication invested for this season. With the pace demonstrated in the official practices and the qualifying in Daytona, the pilot from Pernambuco arrives motivated and confident to seek an expressive result. The expectation is that this time everything goes as planned. Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Assessoria Kiko Porto on Instagram: @kikoporto_12 Kiko Porto on YouTube: @KikoPorto12
