Sebring Beckons: HoloProto International Enters Standalone Phase After Fuji Opener

Sebring, 26 April — The 2026 HoloProto International Series resumes this weekend at Sebring International Raceway for the Sebring 200, marking Round 2 of the championship and the first of four standalone events in the nine-round calendar.

Unlike the season-opening Ridin’ On Dreams 600 at Fuji, which contributed to World Series Tsuyo and Zako qualification pathways, the Sebring round represents a shift in competitive focus. Points scored here will count exclusively toward the International standings, with no bearing on World Tsuyo or Zako classification—placing emphasis purely on championship momentum.

Following a commanding victory in Split B at the Ridin' On Dreams 600 @ Fuji, Dan Evans, representing Airani Iofifteen in the #15 Oreca enters Sebring as the International standings leader with 200 points. Evans’ performance in the season opener established him as an early benchmark, combining race control with consistency in traffic—qualities that will be heavily tested on Sebring’s notoriously bumpy and technical surface, which is something he has experience in winning at if last year's race at the same venue is anything to go by.

Close behind is Tawan Bhumin, driving for Fuwawa Abyssgard in the #25 Oreca, who secured 175 points with a strong runner-up finish in Split A. Bhumin’s pace at Fuji suggests he will be a direct challenger as the season transitions into standalone competition.

Third in the standings, Ryan Kagawa, representing Pavolia Reine in the #01 Oreca, capitalized on late-race developments in Split C to secure a podium and 150 points, positioning himself firmly within the early title fight.

The midfield battle remains tightly packed, with several drivers poised to capitalize on Sebring’s unique demands.

Hiyuta Asano, driving for Gigi Murin in the #44 Oreca, sits fourth overall after a solid top-five finish at Fuji, while Sven Jensen (IRyS, #86 Oreca) and Yuri-Rafael de Oliveira (Nerissa Ravencroft, #76 Oreca) are tied on 130 points, separated only by tiebreak metrics.

Further down, Enzio Ferrari (Raora Panthera, #60 Oreca) and Takeda Adachi (Ninomae Ina’nis, #17 Oreca) remain within striking distance, though both will need strong results to close the gap to the leaders.

Sebring also presents a critical opportunity for several high-profile drivers who underperformed at Fuji.

Among them is Grave Prower, representing Mococo Abyssgard in the #52 Oreca, who currently sits outside the top ten after a quiet race in Split A at Fuji.

Similarly, Mohd Shazren Redza (Koseki Bijou, #14 Oreca) and Evelyn Kuromi (Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, #53 Oreca) will be aiming to rebound after limited points finishes.

Lower down the order, drivers such as Corey-Rico Mendez (Takanashi Kiara, #50 Oreca) and last year's World Tsuyo champion Joshua Azurid (Mori Calliope, #4 Oreca) face early pressure to establish competitive footing in the standings, especially on a track where he had a violent crash last year.

Sebring’s abrasive surface and historic layout are expected to present a stark contrast to Fuji. Tire management, mechanical sympathy, and endurance-style racecraft will likely define the outcome of the 200km contest.

With no split-based structure dictating outcomes and no Tsuyo/Zako implications in play, the race offers a rare moment in the calendar where drivers can focus entirely on outright performance without qualification pressure.

While the absence of Tsuyo/Zako stakes might suggest lower pressure, the reality is quite the opposite. The standalone rounds form a crucial segment of the International championship, where consistency across varied circuits determines the ultimate title contenders.

For Evans, the goal will be to extend his early lead. For challengers like Bhumin and Kagawa, Sebring represents a chance to close the gap—or even take control of the standings.

Can Evans maintain his dominance on a track he has won before, or will Sebring’s demands produce a new winner?