Neto Named IMSA Diverse Driver Scholarship Recipient

IMSA has named Celso Neto as the fourth recipient of the IMSA Diverse Driver Scholarships for the 2025-26 seasons.

Neto, living in Orlando but a native of Brazil, was selected from a pool of nine drivers and will receive benefits of more than $250,000 to assist in competing in a full season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge or IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, with additional benefits extending to a second year of racing.

The 20-year-old has already secured a drive for the 2025 season and will compete in the Pilot Challenge TCR class with Precision Racing LA.

“Racing in IMSA was a dream since I was a kid,” Neto said.

“Living in Orlando for a lot of my life and going to the 24 Hours of Daytona or something every year with my karting team and all my friends, just seeing those cars there.

“I have pictures of Pilot Challenge cars when I was 13 or 14. Being able to have the opportunity to race in this series that you’ve always looked up to is really special.

“It brought back a lot of emotions of all the steps that it takes to get to this point, all the hard work that sometimes isn’t seen.”

Neto began racing in his native Brazil at age 14 and has previously competed in TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School, securing class wins in both TC and TCX along the way.

He made his Pilot Challenge debut earlier this year during the four-hour headline race at Mid-Ohio aboard a Skip Barber-entered Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

“Celso is a very deserving recipient of the IMSA Diverse Driver Development Scholarship,” said Brandon Huddleston, vice president, IMSA Partnership Marketing and Business Development.

“He has already shown his talents on track as he has climbed the racing ranks. He also impressed the scholarship committee with his vision to engage and draw in audiences from both the U.S. and Brazil.

“IMSA is proud to name him as the newest recipient of this important initiative.”