The season finale at Portland International Raceway (August 7–9) was more than just a race weekend — it was the crowning moment of a remarkable year for Zanella Racing. With five drivers on the grid — Leonardo Escorpioni, Ty Fisher, Diego Guiot, Maddie Colleran, and Rahim Alibhai — the team delivered a dominant performance that secured not only the USF Juniors Team Championship, but also multiple individual honors that highlighted the strength and depth of the program.
Qualifying — Zanella Up Front
Qualifying set the tone, with Leonardo Escorpioni once again putting the Zanella name at the sharp end of the grid. Ty Fisher backed him up with another strong performance, keeping himself in contention for the top five in the championship standings. Diego Guiot, Maddie Colleran, and Rahim Alibhai all gained valuable starting positions, ensuring the team’s presence was felt throughout the field.
Race 1 — Setting the Stage
In Friday’s opener, Escorpioni and Fisher both showed front-running pace, keeping themselves in the thick of the battle. Guiot displayed his trademark fighting spirit, climbing through the field in a drive that would foreshadow his Hard Charger Award, while Colleran and Alibhai gained crucial experience on one of the most technical tracks of the season.
Race 2 — Championship Sealed
Saturday proved decisive. With a smart, calculated drive, Leonardo Escorpioni sealed the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, delivering on a season of consistency, speed, and composure. His victory not only highlighted his individual talent but also secured the Team Championship for Zanella Racing.
What made the race even more special was the teamwork on display — Escorpioni worked closely with Ty Fisher throughout the race, giving his teammate the opportunity to maximize points and solidify his place inside the top four of the standings. It was the perfect example of what sets Zanella Racing apart: unity, strategy, and a commitment to elevating every driver.
Race 3 — Fisher Takes the Win
The final race of the season gave the team one more reason to celebrate. With Escorpioni playing the role of ultimate teammate, Fisher powered his way to victory in Race 3, capping his year with a career-best result and confirming P4 in the championship.
Guiot once again surged through the field, cementing his reputation as one of the hardest fighters in the paddock and securing P9 in the championship along with the Hard Charger Award. Colleran and Alibhai closed their weekends with valuable mileage and experience, reinforcing the team’s mission to develop talent across all levels.
Awards and Recognition
The Portland finale was not just about podiums — it was about recognition for the entire program:
USF Juniors Team Champions 🏆
Drivers’ Champion – Leonardo Escorpioni 🏆
4th in Championship – Ty Fisher
9th in Championship + Hard Charger Award – Diego Guiot
Engineer of the Year – Ernie Gonella🏆
- Mechanic of the Year Mimo Tomasello🏆
These honors represent the culmination of a year defined by teamwork, preparation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Season to Remember
For Team Principal Jose Zanella, Portland was the perfect closing chapter to a historic season. Escorpioni’s title, Fisher’s breakthrough, Guiot’s recognition, and the contributions of Colleran and Alibhai all reflect the team’s philosophy: develop champions on and off the track.
With the team championship, a driver’s title, and industry recognition in hand, Zanella Racing leaves Portland not only as winners, but as a program firmly established as a leader in driver development.
The 2025 season will be remembered as the year Zanella Racing rose to the very top — and the journey is only just beginning.
