Kiko Porto remains leader of IMSA VP Racing, but Canadian race two is canceled

Toronto (CAN), July 14, 2025

The fourth round of the IMSA - VP Racing Sportscar Challenge season in Canada did not end as expected for the drivers and teams in the category, who witnessed the cancellation of race two of the weekend due to heavy rain and thunderstorms over the Canadian circuit.

At the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park circuit in Toronto, Brazilian driver Kiko Porto (Toyota Gazoo Racing / Banco Daycoval / MC Games / Team: Rafa Racing) had already demonstrated excellent performance in his first experience on the Canadian track, quickly adapting to the circuit's characteristics.

Leading the GSX category and behind the wheel of the number 8 Toyota GR Supra from Rafa Racing Team, Kiko had secured pole position for both Saturday's race (14) and Sunday's race (13), consolidating his prominent position in the competition.

In the first race, held on Saturday, Porto completely dominated the race, leading from start to finish, also setting the fastest lap in the GSX category and demonstrating not only speed but consistency throughout the entire 45-minute race.

"This victory was extremely important for the championship, especially racing for the first time on this track. Being able to adapt so quickly and come away with the win was very rewarding," declared Kiko Porto after his Saturday triumph.

The Brazilian was confident heading into Sunday's race, when he would again start from pole position in pursuit of a second consecutive victory during the Canadian weekend, with the possibility of further extending his championship lead. However, weather conditions frustrated the plans of Kiko and the other competitors.

"Unfortunately race two was canceled, we had heavy rain with a lot of lightning during our race time. When the rain stopped, the main race of the weekend had already started. They postponed our category to late afternoon, but due to logistical issues, since we're in Canada and everything else, the category decided to cancel the race," explained the Brazilian driver.

The IMSA - International Motor Sports Association - issued an official statement about the cancellation, stating that "after careful evaluation of team logistics – including international travel and border crossing requirements – the decision was made to postpone today's race." The decision took into consideration the complexities involved in international team travel and the time requirements for border procedures.

"It's still unknown whether we'll get the grid points, since I was going to start from pole, or if this race will be held at the next round in Virginia, six weeks from now. Either way, I want to thank everyone for their support, it was really cool. First victory in Canada and on to the next one," concluded the Brazilian driver.

Thus, Kiko Porto remains leader of the VP Racing Sportscar Challenge and prepares for the penultimate round of the 2025 season, which will take place between August 22-24 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, where he will seek to extend his advantage in the fight for the category title.

IMSA - OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) have announced the postponement of Race 2 of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge originally scheduled to take place Sunday morning.

The race was delayed due to inclement weather – including thunder and lightning in the area – in the interest of participant and fan safety. IMSA and CTMP officials worked diligently to identify another window within the weekend timetable to conduct the race. However, after careful evaluation of team logistics – including international travel and border-crossing requirements – the decision was made to postpone today’s race.

IMSA will consider the possibility of rescheduling Race 2 during an upcoming VP Racing SportsCar Challenge event weekend. Further information on a revised date, if applicable, will be communicated once details are finalized.

IMSA and CTMP appreciate the continued understanding and flexibility of the race teams, partners, and fans.


Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Assessoria

Kiko Porto on Instagram: @kikoporto_12
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Kiko Porto website: www.kikoporto.com.br