Sonoma, Calif.—Nothing starts the race season off on the right foot like climbing onto the top step of the podium. RVA Graphics Motorsports by Speed Syndicate had an incredible start to the 2025 Toyota GR Cup season at Sonoma Raceway, notching the team’s first podium finish in the series in race one, followed by a win in race two.
Spike Kohlbecker had the honor of giving RVA Graphics Motorsports by Speed Syndicate its first podium in Toyota GR Cup, both qualifying and finishing third in race one. The next day, Will Robusto drove from the pole to the winner’s circle in race two, following a rainy qualifying session that saw him out-qualify the rest of the field by more than one second.
Team Development Manager and driver Farran Davis also had a good weekend, finishing second in the Legends class for drivers over the age of 45 during race two on Sunday.
“When we started three years ago, this was the vision of what we wanted to be,” said Davis. “Seeing the trust and the commitment from Spike and Will to join the RVA program helped that vision become a reality with the results they produced all weekend.”
This is Robusto’s first full season in Toyota GR Cup, though he has run select races with RVA Graphics Motorsports during the past three seasons. Kohlbecker, on the other hand, is a newcomer to the team but no stranger to the series, having the honor of being the winningest active driver in the GR Cup field.
Davis was quick to praise the commitment from both drivers, saying, “We appreciate both Spike and Will taking a chance with a team that had, until this weekend, had been close but never had a podium finish in this series. They both recognized our potential and professionalism, and that faith in RVA Graphics Motorsports paid off in the first event of the season.”
The team’s Toyotas rolled off the race trailer with strong pace thanks to great prep work by Chris Vallee and Speed Syndicate, who handles preparation and trackside support for RVA Graphics Motorsports. During practice, the cars were dialed in for the nuances of Sonoma Raceway.
Kohlbecker ran as high as second during race one, before crossing the finish line in third. Robusto was right behind him, taking home fourth.
“It was a great weekend for the team all the way around, on the track and in the paddock,” said Kohlbecker. “The Ackerman Toyota, Vanguard Engines, RVA Graphics #55 looked good on the podium in race one, and for race two, we managed everything in our control very well. I look forward to more great results from the team.”
In race two, Robusto led the charge at the front while Kohlbecker was poised for a third-place finish until the last corner of the last lap, when contact from a competitor relegated him to seventh.
“I’m so excited and proud to help RVA Graphics Motorsports by Speed Syndicate get their first pole and first win in Toyota GR Cup,” said Robusto. “No one works harder than this group. I’m lucky to be part of the team and the Toyota GR Cup Series.”
Now, RVA Graphics Motorsports by Speed Syndicate is looking forward to carrying this positive momentum into round two, which will be held at Circuit of the Americas in just a few weeks.
About RVA Graphics Motorsports by Speed Syndicate
RVA Graphics Motorsports by Speed Syndicate competes in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and Toyota GR Cup North America. The team got its start in 2007 with an endurance racing program, which led to two championships. More recently, the team made the move to professional sports car racing in 2023, fielding multiple cars in Toyota GR Cup North America. Additionally, the team fosters young drivers, assisting with on- and off-track development to further their careers. Fans and drivers interested in securing a driving opportunity with the team can learn more by visiting www.RVAGrahpicsMotorsports.com or contacting Team Development Manager Farran Davis at [email protected].
