Kiko Porto Finishes Seventh in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Race One at Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen (USA), June 20, 2025

Brazilian driver Kiko Porto (Toyota Gazoo Racing / Banco Daycoval / MC Games / Team: Rafa Racing) returned to Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America competition this Friday in the first race of the championship's third round at Watkins Glen in New York State. The Brazilian, who currently leads the IMSA - VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, is part of Rafa Racing Team and raced alongside his compatriot Werner Neugebauer, sharing driving duties in car number 68.

During free practice sessions held at the American circuit, the Brazilian duo prepared for the two qualifying sessions that would determine the starting grids for the weekend's races. The workload was divided between both drivers, with each taking responsibility for one of the timed sessions.

In the first qualifying session, Werner Neugebauer took to the track and posted the ninth-fastest time in the Pro category, placing eighteenth overall on the grid for the first race. In the second qualifying session, Kiko Porto took the wheel and set the fourth-best time in both the Pro category and overall, securing a front-row start for the second race.

"My responsibility is to help Werner, since he's the one who has been scoring points from the beginning of the championship," explained Kiko Porto regarding his strategy for the weekend.

During the first race, Werner Neugebauer struggled to find the ideal pace amid the mixed field of different categories, maintaining ninth position in Pro until the pit window opened. At 22 minutes into the race, the driver change was made, with Kiko Porto taking over the Lamborghini.

Kiko maintained a consistent pace after entering the track, working to recover positions until a yellow flag bunched up all the cars with 12 minutes remaining in the race. The safety car remained on track for several more laps, only clearing the way in the final seven minutes of the race.

Despite limited time after the green flag, Kiko Porto managed to capitalize on the final moments to gain several positions, bringing car number 68 home to seventh place at the checkered flag.

"The main thing here is to help and create opportunities for Werner to score as many points as possible. I did what I could in the final stint, we managed a seventh-place finish, and now we wait for Sunday's race to see if we can grab a few more points. I'm starting fourth, so we'll try a setup that puts us closer to the pace of the leaders here at Watkins Glen," analyzed Kiko Porto after the first race.

The second race is scheduled for this Saturday (21st) at 4:10 PM local time, with the Brazilian driver starting fourth and handling the first stint before handing the car over to Neugebauer for the second half. Brazilian fans will be able to follow the duo's performance through the official Lamborghini Super Trofeo YouTube channel.


Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Press Office

Kiko Porto on Instagram:
@kikoporto_12

Kiko Porto on YouTube:
@KikoPorto12

Kiko Porto's Website:
www.kikoporto.com.br