Last night was a night of celebration in São Paulo. During the 29th edition of the Golden Helmet, the most traditional award in Brazilian motorsport, NASCAR Brazil had two great reasons to celebrate: Rubens Barrichello’s victory as the best driver in the category and the recognition of the NASCAR Driver Development 2025 finalists.
During the event, held on Tuesday (4), Alfredo Ibiapina was announced as the big winner of the program, while Victor Andrade came in second place – both representing the new generation of talents formed under the umbrella of NASCAR Brazil.
Considered the “Oscar” of national motorsport, the Golden Helmet is one of the most anticipated moments of the year in the sport. Promoted by Revista Racing since 1997, the event brings together big names from the tracks, managers, sponsors, and drivers from various generations. Held during the week of the Brazilian Grand Prix of Formula 1, the ceremony transforms São Paulo into a meeting point between the past and the future of racing.
The two Brazilian finalists of the program, Ibiapina and Andrade, were honored and awarded on stage in a moment of strong symbolism. They represented a new generation that is building its trajectory inside and outside the country.
The NASCAR Driver Development Experience is an international exchange program created by NASCAR North America and its partner series. Focused on drivers between 16 and 21 years old, the project offers a complete immersion: training with Late Model cars, practical classes on oval tracks, mentorship with NASCAR professionals, and technical visits to development centers.
In this edition, five young people represented Brazil – Alfredinho Ibiapina, Victor Andrade, Felipinho Tozzo, Gui Backes, and Tito Giaffone. After an intense week in Charlotte (USA), with training, mentorship, media training, and technical visits, including tests on the track with Nexxus Racing with sponsorship from Surf USA Mobile, passing through meetings with giants like Hendrick Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing, as well as attending a weekend in Talladega, the two finalists were chosen and, on Tuesday night (04), received recognition before the entire motorsport community.
The champion won the chance to compete in four Pro Late Model races in 2026, while the runner-up will participate in two stages. In addition to the experience itself, the opportunity is a concrete step for those who dream of an international career.
“I’m very happy! It’s a very special and expected night, I was very anxious, but also confident. I enjoyed the program a lot, the whole experience, and I gave my best, I really wanted to conquer this spot,” said Alfredo Ibiapina (Ford Mustang #8/Full Time Sports), shortly after the announcement on the Golden Helmet stage.
Regarding plans for the next season, Alfredinho Ibiapina highlighted: “I hope to continue being competitive and that it will also be a very special year like this one. I’m already anxious to accelerate the new cars and take on this challenge, that I have a quick adaptation, mainly to continue learning with each opportunity on the track and with experienced drivers in the constant search for evolution and, of course, results. That I can renew with my sponsors Liderança Serviços and Mêntore Bank and that new partnerships will also emerge from this work will always be welcome. The opportunity to fulfill this dream of going to the USA to compete and mainly learn is surreal, and who knows, opportunities will open up for an international career, which would be sensational! And may it always be what God wants, because I trust in Him,” he added.
“I’m very happy to receive this award at such a big event like the Golden Helmet. Next year will be a year of many novelties: we will have a new car, and now I will have two races in the Late Model in the United States. I will work hard to be at the top in both categories, so that, who knows, I can be here in this award again,” completed Victor Andrade (Ford Mustang #22/Full Time Sports), with his trophy in hand.
The night was also special for Rubens Barrichello (Ford Mustang #91/Full Time Sports), who received the Golden Helmet as the best driver in the NASCAR Brazil category. “For me, it was another moment of challenge. NASCAR emerged as another opportunity for an eternal passionate person. I thank Thiago Marques for this, because it’s a very enjoyable modality, and for having returned to win in Interlagos. I’m flattered to win another title,” said Barrichello when receiving the trophy.
Next, Thiago Marques, CEO of NASCAR Brazil, presented the RiSE26, the new car of the category, highlighting the technological advancement and the impact that the model represents for national motorsport. During his speech, Marques explained the integration between NASCAR Brazil and the ecosystem of NASCAR America, highlighting how American motorsport culture is influencing the development of the series in the country. He also mentioned the project to build the first fully oval autodrome in Brazil, in Curvelo (MG), as a symbol of this expansion. When commenting on the NASCAR Driver Development, Marques reinforced the long-term vision of the category: “Our dream is to put Brazilian drivers in American NASCAR. This is the purpose of Driver Development and all the structure we are building.”
The winner’s trophy was handed over by Giovanni Guerra, president of CBA – Confederação Brasileira de Automobilismo, and the runner-up’s trophy was handed over to Victor Andrade by Hilton Mendes, representative of Surf USA Mobile, sponsor of the program. “SURF USA Mobile is an American operator and has in NASCAR Brazil and NASCAR USA great partners that bring credibility and visibility to the Surf USA brand. The investment in new talents has a direct connection with the values of our company, and it’s an honor to be part of this project. We’re sure that these two young drivers will shine in 2026,” said Mendes, celebrating the moment on stage.
NASCAR Brazil has the support of Petrobras, Karter, Pirelli, Frum, and official suppliers Militec1, Servitec, Nano4you, Tecpads, Sparco, Zanoello, and Graxa. The official manufacturers of the category are Chevrolet and Ford.
