Celso Neto Returns to USA for Eighth Round of Michelin Pilot Challenge at VIR

Alton (VA), August 21, 2025

After a quick trip to Brazil, driver Celso Neto (AMED / Dipromed / LS Interbank / SODI USA by Velocity Racing / Precision Racing LA) is back in the United States for another round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Virginia International Raceway, located in Alton, Virginia, will host the eighth round of the 2025 season this weekend.

Last week, the driver was on Brazilian soil competing in the seventh round of TCR South America, held in Curvelo, Minas Gerais. Now, back on American soil, his focus is entirely on continuing the Michelin Pilot Challenge season.

Celso Neto will face another challenge alongside his teammate, American Ryan Eversley. The duo seeks to make up ground in the championship and return to contention among the main podium candidates in the TCR class.

"We're going to do our best to put together a good race. I'm excited, it's a track I've raced at in 2023 and 2024, so this will be my third time at VIR. I'm happy to be back," Celso Neto said about his expectations for the weekend.

Currently, Neto and Eversley occupy sixth place in the overall championship standings, with each driver accumulating 1,770 points. The gap to the lead is only 300 points, keeping the duo in the title fight with three rounds remaining in the season.

Finding the ideal car setup will be crucial for the duo to return to podium contention at this traditional Virginia track. The technical layout demands precision and a good balance between straight-line speed and cornering grip.

"VIR is a very technical track, I think it's going to be really good to have a challenging circuit like this back on the calendar. I hope we can dial in the car well, which has good straight-line performance and gives us a small advantage there. On the other hand, the track demands a lot of grip and that's where we've struggled a bit with the Audi," analyzed the Brazilian driver.

Celso and Ryan will once again pilot the #7 Audi RS3 in the TCR class for Precision Racing LA. The partnership between the two drivers has proven consistent throughout the season, always seeking to extract maximum potential from their equipment.

Track activities begin this Friday (22nd) with two free practice sessions scheduled at Virginia International Raceway. On Saturday (23rd), qualifying for the TCR class will take place at 8:35 AM, followed by the green flag for the eighth round of the Michelin Pilot Challenge at 2:20 PM, with a two-hour race duration.

To follow Celso Neto and all race details, simply visit IMSA's official YouTube channel.


Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Assessoria

Follow Celso Neto on Instagram:
@Cneto_racing