Tatiana Calderón scores double Challenge class podium in NASCAR Brasil at Velocitta

Tatiana Calderón enjoyed her strongest NASCAR Brasil weekend to date as she secured a pair of Challenge class podium finishes at Velocitta, confirming the significant progress made by SG28 after overcoming the technical issues that had hampered the opening rounds of the championship.

Photo credits: SG28

Tatiana Calderón enjoyed her strongest NASCAR Brasil weekend to date as she secured a pair of Challenge class podium finishes at Velocitta, confirming the significant progress made by SG28 after overcoming the technical issues that had hampered the opening rounds of the championship.

Competing for the first time at the demanding circuit, the Colombian showcased consistent pace throughout the weekend, finishing eighth and sixth overall in the two races while collecting third place in the Challenge class on both occasions.

The results marked an important turning point for Calderón and the all-female SG28 squad, who arrived at the fourth round determined to finally unlock the true potential of their package after a frustrating start to the season.

Following a campaign disrupted by recurring mechanical problems that prevented the team from converting promising performances into results, Velocitta represented a fresh opportunity. Located near São Paulo, the 3.493-kilometre circuit is regarded as one of Brazil's most modern and technically demanding venues, featuring elevation changes and fast corners.

The weekend was Calderón's first visit to the circuit, adding another new challenge to her rookie NASCAR Brasil campaign. To prepare for the event, she spent the weeks leading up to the race immersed in simulator work and studying onboard footage and previous races, ensuring she arrived as prepared as possible.

Just as importantly, SG28 entered the weekend optimistic that the mechanical problems affecting the opening rounds had finally been resolved. Working closely with NASCAR Brasil, the team had introduced a series of improvements aimed at restoring the competitiveness of Calderón's car and allowing her to demonstrate the potential she had shown in flashes earlier in the season.

"We arrive at a new circuit for me in this fourth round, Velocitta, which looks beautiful and highly technical, and it's also very close to São Paulo," Calderón said before the event.

"After the technical difficulties we faced in the opening races, I know the entire SG28 team has worked closely with NASCAR Brasil to solve those issues, so I have a lot of confidence that this weekend can mark a new beginning for my season."

She also returned to Brazil encouraged by the experience gained during her recent GT3 appearance in the GT Challenge of the Americas at Panama, believing it had provided valuable lessons heading into the NASCAR weekend.

Beyond the racing itself, SG28 carried a special livery and activation throughout the event thanks to a collaboration with Warner Bros, celebrating the upcoming release of the new Supergirl movie. The initiative highlighted the values of courage, determination and leadership shared by the iconic superhero associated with the championship's only all-female team.

Throughout the weekend, special activities connected the Supergirl campaign with the stories of Calderón and teammate Bruna Tomaselli, promoting female empowerment while encouraging young girls and women to pursue ambitious goals both on and off the race track.

Photo credits: SG28

Once on circuit, the hard work carried out by the team immediately became apparent.

For the first time all season, Calderón enjoyed a fully competitive car throughout the entire race weekend, allowing her to focus solely on maximising performance rather than managing technical limitations.

The progress was reflected from qualifying, where Calderón secured ninth place on the starting grid, putting herself in position to challenge near the front of the Challenge class.

She carried that momentum into the opening race, delivering a mature and performance that kept her inside the overall top ten throughout the contest.

Crossing the finish line eighth overall, Tatiana claimed third place in the Challenge class to secure her first podium of the weekend and provide tangible reward for the work carried out behind the scenes by the SG28 crew.

The Colombian built on that encouraging result in Race 2; again demonstrating consistent pace and increasing confidence in the car, Calderón moved further forward through the overall classification before taking the chequered flag sixth overall.

Her run earned another third-place finish in the Challenge class, completing an excellent double podium weekend and confirming the significant step forward made by both driver and team.

"It has been a very positive weekend," she said reflecting on the weekend. "I want to thank the entire SG28 team for their hard work in identifying the issues and giving me a competitive car. Thanks to their efforts, we were finally able to show more of our true potential, earning two Challenge class podiums and moving much closer to the front of the overall field."

"This weekend we were also joined by the superpower of Supergirl, as part of an initiative we developed together with Warner Bros to promote women's empowerment and remind every woman that she has a superpower within her", Tatiana continued, She highlighting the significance of the partnership.

"There couldn't have been a better way to share that message than by celebrating from the podium and proving that with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief, the results will come."

Looking ahead, Calderón believes the team now has a solid foundation to continue improving as the season progresses.

"We will continue building on this momentum. Every circuit on this year's calendar has been new to me, but I'm very happy with the progress we've made together as a team. We understand each other better with every race, and I'm confident that even better results are still to come."

Calderón also took the opportunity to send a personal message of support to those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela: "My heart and my prayers are with everyone affected in Venezuela. Even from afar, we can all do our part by supporting the various humanitarian initiatives working to provide the assistance that so many families need today."

The double podium leaves Calderón and SG28 with renewed confidence as the championship enters its second half, having finally demonstrated the pace they believed had been possible since the beginning of the season. The NASCAR Brasil campaign will resume on the weekend of 1-2 August.

Photo credits: SG28