Brazilian driver Werner Neugebauer is no stranger to success behind the wheel of a race car.
A three-time champion in Porsche Carrera Cup Brasil and former podium finisher in international endurance events, Neugebauer entered 2025 with a bold new challenge: racing in North America for the first time with RAFA Racing Team in Lamborghini Super Trofeo.
So far, the leap has been as demanding as it has been rewarding.
“All the tracks are new for me,” Neugebauer said.
“And the circuits here in the U.S. are quite different from what I’m used to in Brazil. There, we have more tracks like the European style—permanent circuits with different flow. But it’s been amazing. A lot of new experiences, new friends, and very challenging as well.”
A longtime Porsche competitor, Neugebauer also had to adapt to a mid-engine Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 after years of racing the rear-engine 911 GT3 Cup car. The change in driving dynamics has been substantial.
“It’s a completely different kind of car,” he explained. “The Porsche has the engine behind the axle, which makes it work very differently. The Lamborghini, with the central engine, is more neutral—but fun as well.”
Despite the learning curve, Neugebauer has embraced the challenge. And he’s done so as part of one of the busiest teams in the paddock.
RAFA Racing Team, founded by Rafael Martinez in partnership with Kevin Conway’s Smooge Racing operation, runs a large multi-car program across several IMSA and SRO series in the U.S. The team’s scale as well as the opportunity to join a fast-growing effort built on the “Race As Family Always” philosophy were major factors in Neugebauer’s decision to make the move to America.
“I started thinking about racing in the U.S. around June or July last year,” Neugebauer said.
“I traveled to a few races with my friend Felipe Nasr and wanted more challenge, more experience. I saw a post from RAFA on Instagram that they were opening a spot for a driver, and I messaged Kiko [Porto]. He connected me with Kevin, and that’s how everything started.”
Neugebauer quickly found his place within the RAFA organization.
“It’s a huge project,” he said.
“I was impressed by the size of the team. Just going to one race with one car is a challenge, so imagine managing multiple cars and programs. But I’ve been really impressed with the structure. The whole team is working hard to make it happen. It’s very nice to be part of something like this.”
Of the tracks he’s tackled so far in his debut U.S. season, Watkins Glen has stood out as a favorite.
“That track is amazing,” he said with a laugh. “The high-speed corners, the challenge all around, the rhythm—it’s just fun to race there every lap. The Bus Stop, Turn 1, the Esses—epic.”
As for the championship itself, Neugebauer has found Super Trofeo to be as competitive as any series he’s raced in.
“Racing is always competitive,” he said. “You always have people who want to win as much as you do. In Super Trofeo, it’s the same. If you want to win, you almost have to give your blood for it. It’s tough, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Neugebauer’s road to the U.S. has been anything but linear. He began racing at 17—late by most standards—starting in karts before moving to Formula Ford, then Formula 3 South America. He was poised to make a leap to Formula Renault 2.0 when the championship collapsed, forcing a shift in plans.
“I did a full season in Formula 3 in 2008 and a few races the year before,” he said. “Despite my limited experience, I finished as the best rookie that year. But I lost my sponsors and had to stop racing.”
A return to motorsport came via rallying in the Mitsubishi Cup, finishing third overall. That led to an opportunity in Porsche Carrera Cup Brasil, where he quickly made a name for himself.
“I did the last three races of the year and won a race,” he said. “Then I stayed in the Porsche Cup until last year, winning three championships and always fighting for the title.”
Alongside his Porsche Cup career, Neugebauer also raced in prototypes and GT3 machinery, including a standout run in the 2019 Dubai 24 Hours where he finished second overall.
Despite all the success in his home country, Neugebauer knew it was time for something new. His goal now is clear: to work his way into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and compete in a GT3 car full-time.
“My main goal has always been WeatherTech,” he said. “That’s what I’m working toward.”
In the meantime, Neugebauer remains focused on finishing his Super Trofeo campaign strong, including this weekend’s trip to Road America—another bucket list track he visited in 2023 before making the move official.
“It’s a great track,” he said. “The races there are always fun and intense. I can’t wait to go back and race it for real.”
Adjusting to life in the U.S. hasn’t been limited to the racetrack. Culturally, Neugebauer said the transition has been significant—but manageable.
“The culture is probably the biggest difference,” he noted. “The way teams work, the environment—it’s different. But it’s been great to learn a new way to do the same thing. That’s what keeps you growing.”
