Electric Cars

This weekend, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will host a prestigious event featuring various IMSA series. Among the teams competing, RAFA Racing stands out as the only one participating in all three series present at this historic venue. The team has made significant strides since its inception, achieving remarkable success across different racing categories, including the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Partnering with McCumbee McAleer Racing for their MX-5 program, RAFA Racing continues to expand its influence on the motorsport scene. Founded by Rafael Martinez alongside Kevin Conway’s Smooge Racing, the team embodies a unique philosophy of inclusivity and opportunity.

The story of RAFA Racing begins with its name, which symbolizes unity and family spirit—“Race As Family Always.” Established through a partnership between Martinez and Conway, who brought extensive experience from Toyota GR Supra GT4 entries and Lamborghini Super Trofeo, the team quickly carved a niche in the racing world. Martinez, hailing from El Salvador, nurtured a passion for cars despite humble beginnings. Moving to the U.S., he encountered the high costs of motorsport but turned this challenge into an opportunity by creating a platform for drivers who might otherwise lack access. Two such talents are Kiko Porto and Ian Porter, both excelling in the VP Racing Challenge.

Kiko Porto, a former USF2000 champion, faced setbacks when sponsorship issues disrupted his Indy NXT plans. Instead of waiting idly, Porto actively sought new opportunities, eventually joining RAFA Racing. Driving the No. 8 Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2, Porto appreciates the car's balance and responsiveness, noting how it complements his driving style. On the other hand, Ian Porter brings a distinct background to the team, transitioning from professional gaming to sim racing before entering real-world competitions. His familiarity with competitive pressure translates seamlessly into racing, making him a formidable contender in the GSX class.

Kevin Conway, a seasoned veteran in both driving and management roles, plays a pivotal role in guiding the team. Sharing the No. 12 Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 with Martinez and music producer Jim Jonsin, Conway emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of the latest EVO2 variant. This technical expertise accelerates driver development, contributing to the team's consistent performance. As they prepare for the Mid-Ohio event, expectations remain high. Porto aims to reclaim his winning streak following a mechanical issue at COTA, while Porter seeks to solidify his position atop the leaderboard with support from global sim racing distributor Podium 1.

Looking ahead, the synergy between Porto and Porter exemplifies RAFA Racing's commitment to nurturing talent. Porto views his current achievements as stepping stones toward higher levels, aspiring to compete in GT3 and possibly Hypercar classes. Meanwhile, Porter's rapid adaptation demonstrates that dedication and focus can bridge gaps in experience. Together, they embody the ethos of RAFA Racing—a team driven not just by speed but by fostering growth and inclusivity within the sport. With eyes set on continued triumphs, RAFA Racing promises to leave an indelible mark on the IMSA landscape this season.

Amid a challenging season, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer expressed optimism about Liam Lawson's potential to deliver breakthrough results for the team. Following his brief stint with Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, Lawson returned to Racing Bulls but has struggled to consistently score points. His recent performance in Monaco, however, hints at untapped potential. Meanwhile, teammate Isack Hadjar has demonstrated more consistent results. Bayer emphasized the need for Lawson to elevate his qualifying performances and join Hadjar in Q3. Additionally, the team showcased resilience during the Imola, Monaco, and Spain triple-header, improving progressively and overcoming last year's disappointing Spanish Grand Prix.

Lawson's journey back to form remains a focal point for Racing Bulls. Since rejoining the team after a truncated experience with Red Bull, he has encountered difficulties in maintaining competitive race finishes. Notably, his eighth-place finish in Monaco provided a glimpse of his capabilities, contrasting with Hadjar’s more frequent points-scoring efforts. According to Bayer, Lawson's speed is evident in certain sessions, yet consistency across all sectors remains elusive. The CEO highlighted Lawson's standout moments during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, urging him to consolidate these strengths into cohesive performances.

Bayer's confidence in Lawson stems from specific observations on track. In Spain, Lawson exhibited flashes of brilliance in select sectors, indicating that the foundation for improvement exists. If Lawson can refine his approach and avoid early-race scrambles, he could secure a place among the top qualifiers, significantly boosting his race prospects. Bayer envisions Lawson joining Hadjar in reaching deeper stages of qualifying, which would enhance the team's overall competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Racing Bulls celebrated incremental progress during the demanding triple-header races. Teammate Hadjar's consistent points contributions underscored the squad's growing stability. An aerodynamic upgrade introduced in Imola proved successful, while further enhancements in Spain addressed lingering concerns from the previous season. Last year's debacle at the Spanish circuit, where both drivers finished well outside the points, served as motivation for this year's turnaround. The car's strong pace in high-temperature conditions validated the team's developmental strides.

Peter Bayer's satisfaction with the team's upward trajectory highlights the importance of sustaining momentum. As Lawson refines his approach and the technical upgrades continue to bear fruit, Racing Bulls aims to build on its recent successes. With Lawson's talent and Hadjar's reliability, the team appears poised to capitalize on opportunities in the upcoming races, ensuring a more stable and competitive presence on the grid.