Celso Neto Seeks Strong Result in Michelin Pilot Challenge at Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen (USA), June 19, 2025

The drivers and teams of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge reunite this week for another round of the season, including Brazilian Celso Neto (AMED / Dipromed / LS Interbank / SODI USA by Velocity Racing / Precision Racing LA), one of the standout performers in the TCR category in 2025. The Brazilian driver returns to American racetracks eager to mount a comeback in the championship standings, following the technical setbacks that hampered the team's recent performances.

The race will be held at Watkins Glen International in New York state, marking the fifth round of this year's competition. The circuit, renowned for its challenging corners and storied history in world motorsport, will be the stage where Celso Neto attempts to get back on track with strong finishes.

In the last round at Mid-Ohio, a transmission failure forced an extended pit stop, completely compromising their chances of a podium finish. The mechanical problem knocked the Brazilian driver and his teammate out of contention for the top positions, frustrating the team that had been showing excellent results, particularly in the early rounds of the season.

"The focus now is Watkins Glen. I've driven here once before, back in 2022. Since it's been quite a while since I raced here, I'll need to relearn the track and everything. It's a really nice circuit that I really enjoy, it has good grip, which suits our car well. So I think this round will be a good fit for us," highlighted Celso Neto, showing confidence for the upcoming round.

The Michelin Pilot Challenge is part of IMSA - International Motor Sport Association, and Celso has been putting on a spectacular performance behind the wheel of his Audi RS3 in the TCR category. The Brazilian shares driving duties in the number 7 car with American Ryan Eversley for Precision Racing LA. The partnership has proven promising, combining the international experience of both drivers in one of the most competitive categories in American motorsport.

Celso and Ryan currently sit seventh in the drivers' championship with 970 points, and the goal is to climb the standings to fight for the top positions. The duo knows that every point earned will be crucial to improve their championship position.

"The main thing for this round is to get back to having a good result. Ryan, my teammate, has a lot of experience here—he's won twice before, in both GT and TCR. So I believe it's going to be a good weekend," stated Celso Neto, confident in the team's recovery.

Free practice sessions for the Michelin Pilot Challenge are scheduled for Thursday (19th) at 2:55 PM* and Friday (20th) at 10:05 AM*. Also on Friday, qualifying will take place to determine the starting grid at 4:10 PM*. The green flag for the 2-hour race will drop on Saturday (21st) at 11:45 AM* (*local time).

Brazilian fans, supporters, and family members of Celso Neto can follow the races on IMSA's official YouTube channel.


Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Assessoria

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