Kiko Porto Makes His Debut at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Defending VP Racing Lead

Toronto (CAN), July 9, 2025

The VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, one of the most competitive categories on the North American motorsports calendar, arrives in Canada for its fourth round of the season this weekend. Brazilian driver Kiko Porto (Toyota Gazoo Racing / Banco Daycoval / MC Games / Team: Rafa Racing) lands at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Toronto for his first challenge on this circuit.

"I've raced here in Toronto a few years ago in the Road to Indy series, on a street circuit. I'm back, but this track will be my debut. It's a high-speed layout with the highest average speed of the entire season. I think the lowest gear we'll use is fourth. GT cars, having less aerodynamics, tend to get a bit loose mid-corner, so mechanical grip ends up being the most important thing we have. I'm curious to see how tire wear will be, since on these high-speed corners we tend to have tire overheating. That's going to be interesting," analyzes Kiko Porto.

The Canadian circuit welcomes the category's top drivers in pursuit of precious championship points in the series that has been making waves on American tracks. The Brazilian driver faces this new layout on Canadian soil, expanding his international experience behind the wheel of GT cars.

Leading the GSX category, Porto has accumulated 1,940 points after three rounds contested this year and seeks to score more points to maintain his position at the top of the drivers' standings. Consistency has been the Brazilian's trademark this season, always keeping himself among the front-runners.

"I have positive expectations. I think we've been working to fight for victory, but at the same time, I have to remember that as championship leader, I have some additional responsibilities to take care of and understand that points are sometimes more important than winning, but the goal is to win," said Kiko Porto.

Kiko comes from an excellent result in the previous VP Racing round, with a victory and two podium finishes at Mid-Ohio. The Brazilian represents Rafa Racing Team behind the wheel of his number 8 Toyota GR Supra. The partnership between driver and team has proven efficient, resulting in consistent performances throughout the season.

The Ontario schedule for the VP Racing Sportscar Challenge includes two free practice sessions on Friday (11th) and qualifying to determine the grid, scheduled for 3:45 PM. On Saturday (12th), we'll have the first 45-minute race with the green flag at 8:50 AM. The second race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is scheduled for Sunday (13th) at 11:10 AM (local time).

There's a possibility of rain for Sunday, which pleases the Brazilian. Weather conditions could be a determining factor for the final result of the Canadian round, altering the teams' strategies.

"Well, the weather will be hot, but Sunday has a slight chance of rain. Every time it rains, I get a smile on my face, so let's see how it's going to be," Porto concludes.
To follow Kiko Porto's races, fellow countrymen of the Brazilian driver can watch through IMSA's official 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