The new agreement combines veteran drivers for McLaren Trophy America with official charity designation from Forte to support autoimmune disease awareness and research
SPEEDWAY, Ind., Jan. 24, 2025– Race for RP and Forte Racing today announced a new partnership for the 2025 McLaren Trophy America Championship season. The partnership includes a confirmed early entry into the McLaren Trophy America Championship and the designation of Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) Foundation/Race for RP as the official charity of Forte Racing. Monikered Relapsing Polychondritis Motorsports (RPM) powered by Forte Racing for the McLaren Trophy America entry, the partnership brings together the well-recognized and accomplished Forte Racing with veteran sports car drivers who also serve as passionate ambassadors for Race for RP, a cause dedicated to raising awareness for relapsing polychondritis and other autoimmune diseases.
The co-drivers, piloting the #53 Race for RP/RPM Forte McLaren Artura Trophy EVO, include McLaren veteran Kevin Madsen and Ferrari Challenge veteran Neil “Neilio” Langberg. The team will be guided by program manager and seasoned coach, Jon Miller.
Contrary to a typical driver/race team model, Race for RP ambassadors and drivers do not receive sponsorship funds from the organization to drive but instead volunteer their platforms to help raise awareness for RP and other related autoimmune diseases. Langberg, who co-founded Race for RP in 2017, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. “Competing in the new McLaren Artura Trophy EVO is exciting,” says Langberg. “This team aims to combine a deep competitive spirit with an equally deep commitment to raising awareness for autoimmune diseases. This opportunity is a big step forward for Race for RP. We’ve always known that motorsports provide a unique platform to fuel education, accelerate research, and drive awareness of Relapsing Polychondritis and other related autoimmune diseases, and this partnership allows us to take that mission even further.”
“Racing is about overcoming challenges, just like the fight against relapsing polychondritis,” says Forte Racing team founder Shane Seneviratne. “We’re thrilled about our 2025 entry in McLaren Trophy America and for the opportunity to build on our legacy while supporting such an important cause. We’re proud to raise awareness and support for this cause, proving that determination on- and off-track makes a difference.”
ABOUT THE TEAM
- Kevin Madsen: A well-known name in McLaren racing, Madsen made his 2024 debut in McLaren Trophy Europe, where he claimed pole positions, a track record, and an overall race victory. Madsen also celebrated a championship win in the Ligier European Series prototype class with a Race for RP Ligier which was featured in the popular Nintendo Switch game Hot Lap Racing. “The Neilman and I have had a blast working on the sim together,” says Madsen, “and I can’t wait to team up for this amazing cause.”
- Neil “Neilio” Langberg: Known as “the Old Guy Racer,” Langberg brings infectious energy and a unique perspective to the team. A familiar face in both the Pure McLaren and Ferrari Challenge series, Langberg has become a champion for autoimmune disease research. “We’re here to win, but more important is to keep pushing for research,” he adds.
- Jon Miller: Serving as Program Manager, Miller brings over two decades of experience in professional racing and coaching. A longtime Race for RP ambassador, Miller is excited to bring his expertise to the McLaren Trophy America campaign. Miller comments that, “it’s incredibly rewarding to combine competitive motorsports with a cause as important as autoimmune disease research.”
ABOUT RACE FOR RP
Race for RP is a motorsports initiative aimed at driving awareness and accelerating research for RP and other autoimmune diseases. Through collaboration with drivers, teams, and sponsors, Race for RP fuels education, accelerates research, and raises awareness of Relapsing Polychondritis and other related autoimmune diseases For more information, visit www.raceforrp.org or follow @raceforrp on social media.
ABOUT FORTE RACING
Founded in 2023, Forte Racing is a motorsports team based in Los Angeles and Charlotte, supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Under the watchful eye of Shane Seneviratne, the team competes in various racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo and, in 2025, plans to expand by adding a single-car entry in the inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship. Operating under the US RaceTronics banner, the team has quickly built a strong reputation with multiple podium finishes, race wins, and several North American and World Championships. For more information about the team, its drivers, and race operations, visit www.forteracing.com.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship series will launch in Spring 2025. The season will feature 10 rounds at five iconic U.S. tracks with each event coinciding with the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS.
2025 McLaren Trophy America Schedule:
• Rounds 1 & 2: Sonoma Raceway, CA | March 28-30
• Rounds 3 & 4: Circuit of the Americas, TX | April 25-27
• Rounds 5 & 6: Virginia International Raceway, VA | July 18-20
• Rounds 7 & 8: Road America, WI | August 15-17
• Rounds 9 & 10: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IN | October 17-19
ABOUT RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS
RP is a rare and degenerative autoimmune disease that primarily affects cartilage in the body, causing inflammation that can lead to severe complications. RP affects multiple organs, including the ears, nose, airways, joints, and even the heart and brain. Research is essential to improve care and treatment options for those living with RP.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Race for RP/Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation
Stacey Lee | slee@polychondritis.org | (317) 908-6548
polychondritis.org | raceforrp.org
Forte Racing Powered by US RaceTronics
Trish Donovan | trish@usracetronics.com | (317) 525.8653
forteracing.com
Photo Credit: Race for RP
Neil “Neilio” Langberg
Co-driver of #53 Race for RP/RPM Forte McLaren Artura Trophy EVO
Relapsing Polychondritis Motorsports powered by Forte Racing
Co-founder of Race for RP/Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation
Kevin Madsen
Co-driver of #53 Race for RP/RPM Forte McLaren Artura Trophy EVO
Relapsing Polychondritis Motorsports powered by Forte Racing
Jon Miller
Program Manager
Relapsing Polychondritis Motorsports powered by Forte Racing
