Theo Salomao won both Junior categories at the USPKS Daytona Super Grand Prix (Photo: Studio52.us)

In a continued effort to highlight the many outstanding performances by drivers around the country, eKartingNews.com is proud to introduce the ‘Driver of the Month’ program. Each month, the staff at EKN will determine the one driver who stood out above the rest and give the viewers a chance to know exactly what they accomplished and who they are.

The inaugural trip to the Daytona International Speedway for the United States Pro Kart Series was a memorable weekend. The USPKS Daytona Super Grand Prix over the March 14-16 weekend was also a breakout event for Brazilian Theo Salomao. The 13-year old Orsolon Racing driver was able to double up in the win column for the Junior categories in his series debut.

A first career win in X30 Junior by Theo Salomao (Photo: EKN)

Salomao, who had finished 11th at SKUSA SuperNationals 24 in 2021, returned to the USA for the winter months of the 2025 season. It was an impressive run at the SKUSA Winter Series, finishing second with one victory in the KA100 Junior category while also placing fourth in the ROK Cup USA Florida Winter Tour VLR Junior championship of two podium finishes in Orlando.

Like many at the USPKS Daytona Super Grand Prix, Salomao was making his first start at the Daytona International Speedway, this time racing both KA100 Junior and X30 Junior. Theo led the way in qualifying for the KA100 Junior division, posting a 40.156-lap to edge out multi-time Daytona winner Isaac Malcuit by 13 thousandths. No one touched him in the three rounds of heat races, with wins by five, two, and three seconds in the three 12-lap races to maintain the pole position for the Final. The start was all drivers were able to see of Salomao as he escaped quickly, driving away to a solid lead over the opening laps. By the end of the 25-lap main event, Theo secured his first USPKS victory by just under five seconds.

His debut in the X30 Junior category in the USA began with a P3 in qualifying at the USPKS Daytona Super GP, just two tenths off EKN’s February Driver of the Month Alexander Vanchev. Theo was runner-up in the opening heat race before Salomao got the better of Vanchev in the final two heat races to secure the pole position for the Final. Salomao, Vanchev and Junior rookie Ashton Woon made up the lead group with Vanchev going to the point on lap three. Vanchev worked hard to fight off both with Salomao and Woon getting by on lap 17. Salomao would be able to get away from the two, leading the rest of the distance to score the victory in his X30 Junior debut by nearly four seconds.

Salomao leads both United States Pro Kart Series championship chases after the opening round, heading into the Carolina Grand Prix on May 2-4 at the Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina. Theo leads KA100 Junior by 103 points while holding just a five point advantage in the X30 Junior title chase with three rounds remaining.

Salomao is set to contest the entire USPKS championship in 2025 along with the SKUSA SuperNationals 28 in Las Vegas. He will look to add to his success at home, racing at the Brazilian Kart Championships and the Brazilian Kart Cup events.

March 2025 EKN Driver of the Month – Theo Salomao

(Photo: EKN)

Bio

Born: 12/22/2011
Hometown: Goiânia, Brazil
Parents: Eduardo and Carolina
Siblings: Matheus and Manuela
Height/Weight: 5’ 7” / 119lbs.
Education: 8th Grade

Racing Resume

Chassis: Tony Kart (USA) / Bravar (Brazil)
Engine/Engine Builder: BN Engines
Sponsors: Ajel Electrical Materials
Series You Compete In: SKUSA Winter Series / United States Pro Kart Series
Years Karting: 7
How did you get started in karting? My father and grandfather took me when I was six years old
What has been the high point in your racing career? 3-time Brazilian karting champion
What are your goals in racing? To be able to move up to big categories like IndyCar or NASCAR
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Very fast, technical with great overtaking
Funniest moment at the race track? When I went to a training session in the Brazilian championship and my two rear wheels came off.

Likes

Favorite Track: Interlagos
Favorite form of professional motorsports: IndyCar
Favorite karting driver: Joe Turney
Favorite professional driver: Joey Logano
Favorite website: Lego.com
Favorite movie: Drive and Survive
Favorite actor/actress: The Rock
Favorite music/group: Eminem
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Beach vacation with the family
Favorite food: Meat

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? I study a lot
What are your goals outside of karting? To become a professional driver
What app or game do you play right now? iRacing
What type of street car would you like to drive? GT3
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? I don’t like people who don’t keep their word or who lie
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? I don’t think anything should change in karting, it’s all very good.
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? I like to make great overtaking moves so that the fans go wild.

March 2025 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Michael Avansino: Challenge of the Americas – Shifter Senior Double Winner

– Paul Bonilla: Challenge of the Americas – 100cc Masters Double Winner

– Jayden Francisco: USPKS Daytona Super Grand Prix – 1 Win (Mini Swift) / SKUSA Pro Tour WinterNationals – 1 Win (Mini Swift)

– Keagan Kaminski: Challenge of the Americas – 100cc Senior Double Winner

– James Overbeck: USPKS Daytona Super Grand Prix – 1 Win (KA100 Senior)

– Diego Ramos: Florida Winter Tour – 1 Win (VLR Senior) / SKUSA Pro Tour WinterNationals – 1 Win (KA100 Senior)

– Alexander Vanchev: Florida Winter Tour – 1 Win (ROK GP Junior) / SKUSA Pro Tour WinterNationals – 3 Wins (2x X30 Junior / KA100 Junior)

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