RP Motorsports by Forte Racing Earns First McLaren Trophy America Podium at Circuit of the Americas

Team’s 2025 McLaren Trophy America Season Aims to Drive Awareness and Support for Relapsing Polychondritis and Related Autoimmune Disease Research

Monrovia, CA (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) – RP Motorsports by Forte Racing celebrated a milestone this past weekend, securing their first podium finish of the 2025 McLaren Trophy America series at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The team earned a 3rd-place finish in the AM class during Round 3, the second of three races held at the renowned Texas circuit, and also secured pole position for the final race of the weekend.

The action-packed weekend began with the rescheduled Race 2 from Sonoma, setting an aggressive tone for the team. In Saturday’s Round 3 event, Neil Langberg took the starting duties in the No. 53 McLaren Artura Trophy Evo, rolling off 14th on the grid and 5th in class. He delivered a clean and focused first stint before handing over to co-driver Kevin Madsen at the earliest opportunity when the pit window opened. The team’s pit strategy proved spot-on, and Madsen re-entered the track with precision, quickly carving through the field. The #53 advanced six positions to finish 8th overall and 3rd in the AM category, earning the “Hard Charger Award” in addition to the class podium.

Langberg, who has been a champion for the Race for RP initiative and its mission to raise awareness for autoimmune disease research, reflected on the weekend as a win both competitively and purposefully. In the final race of the weekend, the RP team started from pole position in class and the front row of the pack. These leading laps of the field and Neil’s interview broadcast from pitlane gained valuable visibility for their cause.

“A BIG Texas sized weekend winner for the Race for RP, and raising awareness for autoimmune disease,” Langberg said. “Total team effort from start to finish. Thanks to all for setting us up with a great car that allowed us a podium finish in one race and a great run in the lead in race 2. Plenty of visibility for everyone involved with our cause, racers, researchers and patients. The outcome was electric and we can’t wait for the next race weekend at VIR in July. Please join our race and we hope to see you at the track soon.”

Madsen delivered stellar drives throughout the weekend, setting the fastest lap in the Sonoma makeup race and securing pole position for the final race. The veteran driver praised both the team’s performance and Langberg’s strong showing behind the wheel.

“There was a lot of airtime for our RP Motorsports by Forte McLaren out front this great field,” Madsen said. “Fastest lap overall in the race. Pole position. My personal favorite highlight of the weekend was my teammate Neil leading overall and taking the field to a green flag restart for his first time ever. Leading on track and leading research for Relapsing Polychondritis. Let’s keep pushing!”

Forte Racing team owner Shane Seneviratne applauded the team’s progress and underscored the deeper impact their racing has.

“This was a breakthrough weekend for the entire RP Motorsports by Forte Racing program,” said Seneviratne. “To see the #53 not only secure a podium but also lead on track at COTA was a proud moment for our team. But what makes it truly special is the purpose behind it. Every race we run is a platform to spotlight the critical need for autoimmune disease research. We’re proud to be part of that mission and look forward to building on this momentum.”

Program Manager Jon Miller recognized the significance of the weekend’s accomplishments and was pleased with the progress the team is making both on track and in raising awareness for Relapsing Polychondritis.

“This weekend marked another important step forward – both in our performance on track and in the mission that drives us. Kevin put together a fantastic qualifying run to put the car on pole, showing just how far we’ve come in developing the car and the program. Neil’s consistent improvement and reliable pace throughout the race were instrumental in securing our first podium finish as a team. It’s a proud milestone and a clear sign that we’re moving from strength to strength – not just in competition, but in the awareness we’re building for the cause behind it all.”

With the first podium now under their belts, the team will take a short break before returning to action at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) from July 18-20.

RP Motorsports by Forte Racing remains committed to using motorsports as a platform for change, combining elite competition with a mission to advance research and awareness for autoimmune diseases. Fans can follow the team’s progress and support the cause by visiting www.raceforrp.org and www.forteracing.com.

*Photos by Brayan Castiblanco