Florida racer ready to tackle first step of USF Pro Championships

ORLANDO, FL – Having won the USF Juniors championship in 2025, Zanella Racing is putting together a strong line-up of drivers for the coming season in the USF Pro Championships Presented by Continental Tire. The team is pleased to announce that Victor Couto will join their USF Juniors squad for 2026, coming off a three-win season in the Formula FARA program in 2025. The 18-year-old from Boca Raton, Florida has shown speed and consistency this year, and his step up to the Tatuus JR-23 car used in the USF Juniors program has been impressive.

“We’re very excited to welcome Victor; his dedication speaks for itself,” said team owner Jose ‘Naka’ Zanella. “He’s shown real potential, and we’re proud to have him on-board. I can’t wait to see what he will be able to do next year.”

Couto started his career in motorsports in 2023 when he began karting in Florida, racing at the AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex, which is located just south of Miami, outside Homestead-Miami Speedway. Victor added the ultra-competitive Rotax Max Challenge Winter Trophy at Orlando Kart Center to his club karting schedule in 2024 and then moved into formula car racing in 2025, racing in the Formula FARA series with Gonella Racing. Couto finished third in the championship this past year on the strength of three wins and 13 podiums.

“I’m super excited to be joining Zanella Racing for the 2026 USF Juniors season,” offered Couto. “They’ve proven to be a championship-winning team, and I know with their support I’ll be ready to fight for the championship this season.”

As the team prepares to enter its third season in the USF Pro Championships program with the addition of a USF2000 program to its title-winning USF Juniors squad, Zanella Racing is deep into its off-season testing program and will also announce additional drivers shortly.