DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Stallion Motorsports is proud to announce that internationally recognized Brazilian Touring Car standout Raphael “Raphinha” Reis has signed to compete full-time with the team in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, co-driving the No. 77 CUPRA Leon VZ TCR alongside rising star and 2025-26 IMSA 3D Scholarship recipient Celso Neto.
The signing represents a major milestone for Stallion Motorsports and IMSA alike, uniting a proven international Touring Car veteran with one of the most promising young drivers in North American touring car racing. Together, Reis and Neto form a competitive and well-balanced driver pairing.
Raphael “Raphinha” Reis — A Benchmark of TCR Excellence
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Touring Car drivers of his generation, Reis brings an exceptional résumé built across South America’s top championships and the global TCR platform.
Career Highlights & TCR Achievements
- Only driver to start every race in TCR South America history since its inception in 2021 (70+ consecutive starts — all-time series record)
- Multiple race wins across Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile
- 3rd Overall – TCR South America Championship (2023 & 2024)
- 2nd Overall – FIA Motorsport Games (TCR) (2024), representing Brazil
- Peak TCR World Ranking: 13th globally
- Recognized throughout the continent for consistency, technical precision, and professionalism
A Historic Moment for CUPRA
In 2024 at Interlagos, Reis delivered a landmark result by securing CUPRA’s first-ever global race victory with the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR, cementing his role as a key reference and development driver for the platform and establishing himself as the face of CUPRA performance in the Americas
Proven Versatility Beyond FWD
While widely known in Brazil as “the ambassador of front-wheel-drive cars,” Reis has also demonstrated championship-winning success in rear-wheel-drive machinery as the 2018 Stock Car Series Brazil Champion and a competitor in South America’s premier category, the Stock Car Pro Series. This versatility underscores his ability to perform — and win — at the highest levels of international motorsport.
A Formidable New Duo For IMSA
Reis joins Stallion Motorsports at a pivotal moment as the team prepares for its first full IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge campaign. Highlights following Neto’s first Michelin Pilot Challenge season include:
- Multiple-time IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge podium finisher
- One of the youngest and fastest-rising drivers in U.S. touring car racing
- Three podium finishes
- Eight top-five results
- Fastest Audi on multiple occasions
- Zero DNFs
- Led major stints at Daytona and Sebring
- Finished the season P4 overall in the TCR championship points
The combination of Reis’ experience and Neto’s momentum positions Stallion Motorsports as an immediate front-running contender.
QUOTES
Pedro Moises – Team Partner, Stallion Motorsports
“Rapha is such a phenomenal addition to the team. I worked closely with him for many years, including delivering CUPRA’s first worldwide win with the new VZ platform. His consistency and precision are exactly what a championship-level program needs. The combination of Rapha and Celso gives us confidence to fight at the front immediately.”
Celso Neto – Driver, No. 77 CUPRA Leon VZ TCR
“It’s an honor to welcome Rapha to Stallion. He’s one of the most complete touring car drivers I know — precise, fast, and extremely professional. Having him as my teammate raises the level of our entire program. As the IMSA Scholarship ambassador, I’m proud to help bring top Brazilian talent into the U.S. motorsport ladder.”
Raphael Reis – Driver, Stallion Motorsports
“Joining IMSA is a very special moment in my career. The CUPRA Leon VZ TCR is a car I know extremely well, and racing it full-time in North America is a great opportunity. Pairing with Celso — who had an outstanding rookie season — makes this project even stronger. I’m ready for Daytona and for a full-season fight.”
Stallion Motorsports: A New Era of Brazilian Presence in IMSA
Stallion Motorsports enters 2026 with a comprehensive, manufacturer-supported program, including:
- Full technical support from CUPRA Racing (Spain)
- Official collaboration with NGP Motorsports, CUPRA’s North American representative
- Engineering and race operations with GOU Racing & Logistics
- A fully equipped workshop and logistics base in Texas
- Top-tier data, engineering, and performance infrastructure
- A long-term plan to expand to two cars in 2027, creating further opportunities for Brazilian drivers
“We’ve invested heavily in top-of-the-line equipment and personnel. Our goal is clear — to fight for the championship in 2026,” said a Stallion Motorsports representative.
The Journey Begins at Daytona
The 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season opens Jan. 21-23 during the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend, featuring a four-hour endurance race.
With decades of combined experience, championships across multiple platforms, and Brazil’s newest international Touring Car force with Reis and Neto having proven international success, Stallion Motorsports enters 2026 not just to compete — but to contend for the championship.