Kiko Porto’s motorsport journey began not in the paddocks of Brazil’s racing hotbeds, but on the daily drive to school—passing a rental kart track that would plant the seed for a life in racing. 

Today, the Brazilian leads the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, flying the flag for RAFA Racing Team and Toyota, and turning heads with his rapid adaptation to GT competition.

“I was always addicted to cars as a kid,” Porto recalled. “I used to stare at that track every morning and wonder what it would be like to try it. When I turned seven, I asked my dad to take me for my birthday. That was the start of everything.”

That first experience wasn’t easy to come by. Most tracks near his home in Brazil only allowed adult drivers, so it took Porto’s father months to find a facility nearly an hour away where kids could compete. But once he got behind the wheel, Kiko was hooked.

From his debut in late 2011, Porto was on a mission.

“After that first session, I wanted more. I started practicing three times a week and entered my first race three months later,” he said.

“Some of the other parents didn’t want me on the grid—they thought I’d be a hazard—but I finished mid-pack. That was the start.”

Within a few years, Porto had become one of Brazil’s most successful karting talents. He won multiple São Paulo state championships, the Brazilian national title, and amassed over 50 race wins. He even set a record for most consecutive victories at his home track between 2014 and 2018.

In 2017, Porto took the leap to international competition. Kicking off his European karting career, he won a round of the Euro Academy Trophy in Finland before setting his sights on formula cars.

His debut in open-wheel racing came in 2018 in the F4 United States Championship, where age restrictions limited him to just three races. The following season, he finished second in the F4 US championship before moving up to USF2000 in 2020. Despite pandemic challenges and travel limitations, he remained competitive and, in 2021, claimed the USF2000 title.

That victory earned him a scholarship to compete in the Indy Pro 2000 series, where he spent two seasons, finishing runner-up in 2023 after a pair of wins. But just as he was poised to step up to INDY NXT in 2024, his plans fell apart.

“Two weeks before the season, one of my key sponsors pulled out,” Porto said. “We didn’t have the money to race.”

It was a critical juncture. Rather than wait on the sidelines, Porto drove to Daytona for the Rolex 24 to network, introduce himself to teams, and see what doors might open.

His debut GT campaign was a revelation. In his first-ever race in Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Porto stunned the paddock with a pole position and class victory.

He ended the year third in the Pro class championship despite mechanical setbacks and began building the foundation for what would become his breakout 2025 campaign.

Later that year, he crossed paths with Kevin Conway, who was working closely with Toyota and had plans to build a new GT program. Conway—an experienced pro with deep ties to Toyota—offered Porto a chance to shadow his team during a race weekend. That impromptu opportunity quickly turned into something more.

“Kevin said, ‘I don’t know this kid, but I’ll be in Indianapolis next week. If he wants to learn, let’s see what he’s got,’” Porto explained. “I flew there and spent the weekend embedded with his team. By Sunday, I was meeting with the boss of Toyota Racing Development.”

What started as a cold introduction turned into a full-fledged partnership.

When Conway’s team aligned with RAFA Racing Team to lead Toyota’s charge in the GT4 ranks, Porto was the natural fit.

Now, behind the wheel of the #8 Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 for RAFA Racing Team, Porto is leading the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge standings with multiple wins and a near-perfect season so far”

“The Toyota is a very unique car,” he said. “It’s got a short wheelbase and a strong front end. I’ve always liked cars with a bit of oversteer, and this one fits my style. But it’s sensitive. You need to be smooth and precise, especially with the throttle.”

Out of the 15 sessions he’s contested this season—including practice, qualifying, and races—Porto has led 13. The only blemishes came from a mechanical DNF that robbed him of another likely win and a fighting second place in race one at Mid-Ohio.

Still, it’s not just his pace that’s turning heads—it’s his maturity and strategic vision.

“VP is a stepping stone,” he said. “My goal is to grow with Toyota—to get to GT3 and eventually maybe Hypercar. Every session I treat as a chance to learn, push myself, and make mistakes now so I’m better when that next step comes.”

Porto credits RAFA Racing’s unique environment for helping him thrive.

“It’s not like any team I’ve been part of,” he said. “They’re forward-thinking with social media and marketing but also have guys like Kevin who bring real race-winning experience. It’s a complete group—performance, preparation, professionalism. Most teams just give you a car and hope you perform. RAFA gives you the tools to succeed long-term.”

He’s also developed a strong rapport with his teammate, Ian Porter—an esports veteran turned racer who brings a totally different background.

“Ian is relatively new to motorsports, but he’s been at the top of gaming for years,” Porto said. “His mindset, his focus, his work ethic—it’s elite. He’s constantly pushing himself and learning. That’s inspiring for me. He’s showing that with the right approach, you can catch up quickly in racing too.”

As the season progresses, Porto remains focused on one thing: growth.

“Leading the championship is great, but I’m always thinking about the next level,” he said. “If I can keep learning, keep pushing, and stay in this environment, I know I can be ready for the big stage when the opportunity comes.”

Porto will be back on track this weekend, making a guest appearance with the RAFA Racing Team’s Lamborghini Super Trofeo squad, teaming up with Werner Neugebauer at Watkins Glen International.

From karting prodigy to GT championship leader, Porto’s rise is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and relentless drive—qualities that now define his story at RAFA Racing Team.