Celso Neto to Start Seventh in Third Round of Michelin Pilot Challenge at Mid-Ohio

Lexington (OH), June 8, 2025

Brazilian driver Celso Neto (AMED / Dipromed / LS Interbank / SODI USA by Velocity Racing / Precision Racing LA Team) is ready for another challenge in the Michelin Pilot Challenge. This Sunday (8th), the driver will compete in the season's third round at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, in a four-hour endurance race that promises to test the limits of both man and machine.

One of the standout performers of the current season, Celso Neto pilots the #7 Audi RS3 in the TCR class, sharing the cockpit with experienced American Ryan Eversley. The duo represents Precision Racing LA and has already demonstrated their competitiveness by securing a podium finish in the season opener at the legendary Daytona circuit.

In the overall TCR driver championship standings, the Brazilian holds a solid third place, a position that keeps him in contention for the season title. This consistency has been fundamental in maintaining the Brazilian driver's aspirations in North American sports car racing's most competitive championship.

During practice sessions held at the Mid-Ohio circuit, Celso Neto managed to position his Audi RS3 in seventh place on the starting grid, securing a strategic position in the fourth row for the start of Sunday's marathon. The result puts the duo in favorable conditions to pursue another strong result this season.

"It was a positive day overall. We developed the car well for the race – it's a very long race. It's important to focus on tire management and have a balanced car. Unfortunately, we didn't get much track time, about 4 or 5 laps, because our car got stuck in sixth gear and there was nothing we could do. We went back to the pits and had to assess the situation. Even so, we finished seventh, on a lap from early in qualifying. It's going to be a very long race – you have to be smart, not make mistakes, keep the car on track, and we'll go for it," evaluated Celso Neto after qualifying.

Strategy for the four-hour race will be crucial for the duo's success. In endurance races like this, factors such as fuel management, tire wear, and flawless execution of pit stops can determine the final result. The experience accumulated by Celso Neto and Ryan Eversley throughout the season will be an important advantage.

This morning, weather in Lexington started with rain, and the possibility of the track remaining wet at race start is very high, adding an extra element of excitement to the race. The official Michelin Pilot Challenge schedule sets the race start for this Sunday (8th) at 12:00 PM local time. It will be four hours of racing that promises a spectacle of high speed and strategy on the Mid-Ohio layout, known for its challenging corners and overtaking opportunities.

For Brazilians who wish to follow Celso Neto's performance, the broadcast will be available through IMSA's official YouTube channel, allowing fans, family, and motorsport enthusiasts to cheer for every lap of Brazil's representative in America's premier touring car category.

Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Assessoria

Follow Celso Neto on Instagram:
@Cneto_racing