Forte Racing Celebrates Brian Thienes’ Impressive Season in VP Racing SportsCar Challenge

Monrovia, CA (Monday, October 13, 2025) – Forte Racing is proud to recognize driver Brian Thienes for his outstanding performance during the 2025 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge (VPRC) season. Driving the No. 77 Forte Racing Ligier JS P320, Thienes secured second place in the overall P3 Championship and captured the Bronze Drivers Championship, capping off another successful campaign with the California-based team.

At 62 years old, Thienes continues to prove that experience, precision, and mental toughness are timeless assets in motorsport. Entering the final round at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta with second place in the championship already secured, Thienes wasted no time making his mark on the weekend. Without any pre-event testing, he opened practice among the front-runners, setting the second-fastest time overall in Practice 1 and the fourth-fastest time in Practice 2 on used tires, surrounded by competitors a third his age.

“I’m proud of how the season came together,” said Brian Thienes. “This series is competitive and the level of talent is incredibly high, so to finish second in the championship and win the Bronze title is really rewarding. Road Atlanta was a great example of what this team is all about: preparation, teamwork, and never giving up. Peter Jacobs delivered an amazing car every weekend, and the entire Forte Racing crew worked tirelessly to give me the tools to fight at the front. I’m so grateful for their support. It’s been an incredible season.”

In qualifying, the veteran racer edged out Brazilian rising star Lucas Fecury by just 0.047 seconds, earning a third-place starting position for both races. The weekend was not without adversity: in Race 1, Thienes was spun on the opening lap and dropped to 24th. Demonstrating trademark determination, he clawed his way back through the field, taking advantage of full-course yellows and executing decisive passes, including one on teammate Jon Hirshberg on the final lap, to finish fourth overall and first in the Bronze Cup.

Race 2 saw Thienes once again combine consistency and composure, battling fiercely with the younger competitors before capitalizing late when race leader Oscar Tunjo suffered a mechanical issue, bringing the No. 77 home on the overall podium in third. The result sealed an impressive season of top finishes and underscored the team’s reputation for preparation and performance.

“Brian’s season has been one of the highlights of our 2025 program,” said Shane Seneviratne, Team Principal of Forte Racing. “His work ethic, composure, and ability to stay competitive in such a demanding field have been incredible to watch. Week after week, he brings professionalism and focus, and that energy carries through the whole team. We couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished this year.”

“Brian’s effort and execution at Road Atlanta were the perfect way to close the season,” said Peter Jacobs, Race Engineer at Forte Racing. “We rolled into the weekend without any pre-event testing, and from the first session he was right on pace. His ability to adapt quickly, provide clear feedback, and extract the most out of the car set the tone for the weekend. Competing at this level against drivers a third his age and still running near the top of the charts says everything about his skill and commitment. It’s been a privilege working alongside him this year.”

David Cozart, Program Manager at Forte Racing, added: “I’ve worked with Brian for nearly four years, and this past season has been truly remarkable. His confidence, race craft, and dedication have been exemplary. He’s a true competitor, and I’m proud to have been part of his journey to the podium.”
The 2025 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season capped another milestone year for Forte Racing, which continues to compete across multiple IMSA and SRO platforms, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, and McLaren Trophy America.

* Photos by Brayan Castiblanco