Forte Racing Brings Confidence and Momentum to VIR

Monrovia, California (Thursday, August 21, 2025) – Following a runner-up finish at Road America, Forte Racing heads to Virginia International Raceway with confidence and momentum. After scoring a second-place finish at VIR in 2024, the team returns knowing what it takes to succeed on the 3.27-mile circuit. This weekend, Forte will campaign its No. 78 Huntress Forte Racing Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 in GTD with drivers Misha Goikhberg and Mario Farnbacher, while also fielding two entries in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge with drivers Brian Thienes and Jon Hirshberg. Competing in both championships at VIR underscores Forte’s determination to deliver strong results on one of the most technical and demanding tracks on the IMSA calendar.

GTD driver Misha Goikhberg enters the weekend with confidence, buoyed by Forte Racing’s second-place finish at Road America earlier this month. Having also finished runner-up at VIR in 2024, he views the event as both an opportunity to build on past success and a chance to keep the team’s momentum rolling into the final stretch of the season.

“We’re heading into VIR with good momentum after our second place at Road America,” Goikhberg said. “We finished second here last year as well, so the goal is definitely to get back on the podium. It’s a track I really enjoy — fast, technical, and a lot of fun to drive. I know we have the pace and the team to fight for another strong result, and I’m confident we can deliver.”

Mario Farnbacher brings proven success to VIR, a circuit where his technical skill and feel for old-school tracks have consistently paid dividends. With the Forte Huntress Lamborghini alongside teammate Misha Goikhberg, he views this weekend as another opportunity to turn his experience at VIR into a push for the podium.

“VIR is a cool track, very fast and technical, kind of old school — unfortunately now without the oak tree,” Farnbacher said. “I always like going to a track where it’s only GT cars, so no prototypes this time. That allows you to focus 100% on performance without worrying about traffic. The downside is there are fewer cars, so you can’t always use traffic to your advantage, but in the end it’s the same for everyone. I’m looking forward to trying to get back on the podium like at Road America with our Forte Huntress Lamborghini and with Misha as my teammate. I’ve always had great success at VIR, which makes it a special place for me. The track has that roller coaster feel I love, and I can’t wait to go through the esses flat out.”

On the other side of the paddock, Brian Thienes faces a demanding triple-header weekend at VIR, with the rescheduled Canadian Tire Motorsport Park race added to the schedule. Currently sitting second in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge standings, Thienes enters VIR with his season-long pace and determination keeping him firmly in the championship fight.

“I am looking forward to working with US RaceTronics and my engineer Pete Jacobs this weekend at VIR,” Thienes said. “The team always provides a great competitive car, and I expect the same for this weekend. Hopefully, my track knowledge will provide an advantage for the team this weekend.”

After competing in the VPRC season opener at Daytona, Jon Hirshberg shifted his focus to Lamborghini Super Trofeo. Now returning to Forte Racing for the final two rounds of the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Hirshberg is eager to get back into the LMP3 platform at one of his favorite circuits as he looks to close out the season on a high note.

“I am very excited to get back into the LMP3 platform this weekend with Forte after a long break since Daytona,” Hirshberg said. “VIR is one of my favorite tracks in the U.S. and we found good pace here last year. I’m eager to see where we stack up this weekend.”

For Team Principal Shane Seneviratne, the podium at Road America was more than just a strong result — it was proof of the team’s preparation and collective effort. As Forte Racing takes on VIR with programs in both GTD and VPRC, he sees it as another chance to showcase the depth of the operation and the resilience that has become a hallmark of the team. He remains focused on execution and building toward championship-caliber results.

“Coming off a podium at Road America, the entire team is carrying great momentum into VIR,” said Seneviratne. “This track demands precision and teamwork, and I believe our group is ready to rise to that challenge. Competing in both GTD and VPRC really showcases the depth of our program and the dedication of our drivers, crew, and partners. Weekends like this are about execution, resilience, and building on the progress we’ve made, and I’m confident we can deliver strong results.”

Broadcast Information
All races will air live on Peacock in the U.S., IMSA.com, and the IMSA YouTube Channel. Race times are as follows:

• WeatherTech GTD Race: Sunday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET
• VPRC Race 1: Friday, August 22 at 4:55 p.m. ET
• VPRC Race 2: Saturday, August 23 at 12:55 p.m. ET
• VPRC Race 3: Sunday, August 24 at 9:35 a.m. ET

For updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and live action from the paddock, follow @ForteRacing on Instagram.

* Photos by Brayan Castiblanco