Ribeiro wins on debut weekend in FR Americas at COTA

Bruno Ribeiro won the Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) season finale at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on Saturday afternoon. Earning IGY6 Motorsports their first-ever FR Americas victory, Ribeiro accomplished the feat during his debut weekend.

Ribeiro was finally able to break away to control the race, while Sherlock and Golan fought for second behind him. At the same time, Cole Kleck (No. 11 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) was fighting forward after starting the race from the last position after a failed transponder in Friday’s race left him with no official lap times. Moving up to ninth by the completion of the first lap, Kleck was already in fourth by lap three. As the race neared its halfway point, Kleck pulled up to join the battle for second, taking the position just before a full-course yellow.

The race restarted with 10 minutes left on the clock, and Ribeiro once again led the field. Kleck initially held second, but Golan was determined to get the runner-up position. With a drag race down the straightaway, Golan and Kleck ran wheel to wheel through Turn 12 with Golan finally able to claim the position through the next turn. As the clock ticked down, the top three started to spread apart with each holding approximately a two-second advantage over the next.

More North American Racing

Gittin Jr. hyped for another Formula Drift tilt

Hobson ready to make his move in Formula Drift

Pulaski County Motorsports Park announces 2026 schedule; Stacy Compton named GM

As they crossed the finish line, Ribeiro led the way, followed by Golan in second and Kleck in third.

Following the race, a series of Stewards Decisions resulted in penalties that adjusted the finishing order. Drivers receiving a penalty, included:

Cole Kleck: 10-second penalty, moving him to seventh

James Lawley (No. 77 Kartbahn Racing Ligier JS F3): five-second penalty, moving him to fifth

Titus Sherlock: five-second penalty, moving him to sixth

Jett Bowling: 30-second penalty

“I want to thank IGY6 Motorsports, they gave me a great car for this race,” said Ribeiro after climbing from the car. “It was a bit hectic yesterday and we didn't have the best results. There was too much fighting for position, but today I felt like I could capitalize on that. I knew that overdriving wouldn't get me anywhere, so I just needed to get my exits right and my entries right. As soon as people started fighting, I just got away and was able to get the win, so I'm happy.”

FR Americas returns for the 2025 season at NOLA Motorsports Park, March 27-30. Prospective drivers looking to learn more about FR Americas should visit the series’ website, FRAmericas.com. Additional news and updates throughout the off-season will be shared on the series’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

RESULTS