SP Motorsports Move into Super Trofeo a “Natural Progression”

Photo: SP Motorsports

SP Motorsports’ entry into Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America competition became a “natural progression” following the path of longtime client Daniel Morillo and his 18-year-old son, Joaquin, according to team co-owner John Mai.

The California-based outfit is one of several new teams to the IMSA-sanctioned single-make series this year, in the final season with the Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 ahead of the highly anticipated debut of the Temerario Super Trofeo race car in 2027.

Its arrival into the paddock with Lamborghini comes after predominately being known as a Porsche performance, track prep and service facility.

Mai, who co-owns the team with Chasen Garcias, said the decision to step into professional competition came from Daniel Morillo, whom they’ve supported in track day outings with his Super Trofeo car since 2019, and the prospects of Joaquin, whom SP created a development path through the club racing ranks over the last two years.

“As Joaquin continued to progress, Daniel eventually gave him the opportunity to drive a Super Trofeo,” Mai told Sportscar365. “After his first outing, he climbed out of the cockpit and simply said, ‘This is more like my cup of tea.’

“Now, having just turned 18, Joaquin has developed into one of the most promising young drivers we’ve worked with. We genuinely believe he has the talent, work ethic, and mindset to pursue a professional career in this sport.

“At that point, the path to Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America became a natural progression.

“What began as a father-and-son racing journey ultimately evolved into the foundation of our first full-season professional racing program.

“While our company was built on Porsche, the Morillos’ journey naturally led us toward Lamborghini, making Super Trofeo the right platform to launch SP Motorsports’ professional racing effort.”

Joaquin is teamed up with the inaugural IMSA 3D Scholarship winner Jayden Conwright in SP’s Pro class entry, with Daniel Morillo and Paul Whiting competing in the Am category, in the team’s two-car operation that’s geared for long-term success.

Mai said it was crucial to make its Super Trofeo debut this year, in order to first learn the ropes of the series before the rollout of the all-new car.

“Knowing the new Temerario Super Trofeo is coming is definitely exciting,” he said. “Not necessarily because it’s a new car, but because it represents a reset for everyone.

“Every team will have to learn the car, understand its strengths and weaknesses, and develop new setups and processes from the ground up.

“For us, debuting this year gives our organization valuable time to get settled, gain experience, and continue building team chemistry. By the time the Temerario arrives, we’ll have a full season of working together as a group, refining our processes, and understanding what it takes to compete at this level.

“That foundation is incredibly important. While the new car will undoubtedly bring new challenges, we believe the experience we’re gaining this season will put us in a strong position to adapt quickly and be competitive from the start.

“More importantly, our commitment is to professional racing for the long term. The Temerario is simply the next chapter of that journey.”

While currently focused in Lamborghini’s highly competitive single-make series, Mai said they also aim to expand race operations in the years to come.

“Our long-term vision is to create a complete pathway for our clients and drivers, from their first track day, to club racing, and ultimately professional racing,” he said.

“Daniel and Joaquin Morillo’s journey is a great example of that vision in action. Watching someone grow through the sport and helping them reach the next level is incredibly rewarding for our team.

“On the professional side, we plan to continue expanding into endurance racing, including GT4 and GT3 competition.

“We’ve always been drawn to endurance racing because it represents the ultimate team sport. Success comes from drivers, engineers, mechanics, strategists, tire technicians, truck drivers, and crew members all working together toward a common goal.

“That’s really what SP Motorsports is all about. We’re passionate about developing people, building strong teams, and creating opportunities for others to grow through motorsports.

“If we do those things well, we believe becoming one of the premier racing organizations in North America will be a natural result.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John