Portland, Oregon (Tuesday, August 12, 2025) – Rising open-wheel driver Caleb Gafrarar capped off his rookie USF Pro Championships USF 2000 campaign at Portland International Raceway with another strong showing, securing fifth place in the overall championship standings and maintaining his record of earning a top-five finish at every track this season.
The season finale, held on the challenging 12-turn, 1.97-mile Portland International Raceway layout, was run in conjunction with the NTT INDYCAR Series and featured three races over three days. The weekend opened with two test sessions on Thursday, where Gafrarar posted competitive times but left determined to find more speed ahead of Friday’s busy schedule of practice, qualifying, and Race 1.
Race 1 – Friday
After showing pace in practice, Gafrarar qualified seventh. At the race start, an intense battle unfolded ahead of him, with one competitor making contact with the wall and another dramatically barrel-rolling through the air—narrowly missing Gafrarar. The incident brought out the red flag for cleanup and driver safety checks. When racing resumed, Gafrarar was in fifth and later executed a clean pass in Turn 1 to claim fourth at the checkered flag. The result marked yet another top-five finish, continuing his perfect track record for the season.
Race 2 – Saturday
Starting sixth, Gafrarar navigated a chaotic Turn 1 but was forced to lift to avoid contact, dropping him to 14th early on. Mid-race, a brief off-track excursion in Turn 11 cost additional time, though he was able to rejoin without damage. He ultimately crossed the line in 10th after 25 laps.
Race 3 – Sunday
In scorching 100-degree heat, Gafrarar once again started sixth and moved up to fifth by Turn 3. However, track-cutting incidents by other competitors—unpenalized by officials—created added challenges. Struggling with a sudden loss of front grip, he managed the car to a sixth-place finish, concluding a hard-fought weekend.
Reflecting on the finale, Gafrarar said:
“I wanted more for the team and myself in these last three races, but bringing the car home without crash damage and maintaining a top-five finish at every track this season is something I’m proud of. My rookie season had its highs and lows, but to earn a pole, a win, and 4 podiums – despite never having driven a USF 2000 car before – is a huge accomplishment. I’m grateful to Pabst Racing and everyone who supported me this year.”
The season wrapped up with a Sunday night Pabst Team celebration for drivers, crew, and families, followed by Monday’s USF Pro Championships banquet, where Gafrarar congratulated all 2025 champions, including teammate Max Garcia on his USF Pro 2000 title, and the Pabst Racing team for earning “Team of the Year” honors.
Portland Supporters
Gafrarar expressed his gratitude to those who backed his “Name on the Side of the Car” campaign for Portland, including: Hop & Vine Davidson, Chris G’s Coaching, 1 Shot Fotos, OHG, Jim & Donna Lorenzen, Kitasaki Farms, Nick Tubbs, Mama Jane, Erin Nosker, Anthony Lewis, Packy Wheeler, Lancaster Custom Dock, The Starting Grid Club, Phil Rogers, Lincoln Baucom, Michael & Tracy Johnson, Bob Carpenter, Elaine Sinclair, Pamela Kolb, Gram Clarann Gafrarar, Gramps Charlie Gafrarar, Clarissa Gafrarar, Maw Maw Jackie Boger, and his late Paw Paw Bill Boger, who rode along in spirit.
Season Partners
Special thanks also go to Caleb’s ongoing partners and supporters: CG Investment Fund LLC, Circle K, Bell Helmets, OMP, Racing Electronics, and Molecule Sports.
While the 2025 car racing season has concluded, Gafrarar is already preparing for 2026. To learn more about supporting his climb up the open-wheel ladder, visit www.calebgracer.com/contact.
Never slowing down, Gafrarar will head to New Castle Motorsports Park this weekend for the final round of the USPKS karting season with Josh Hotz Driver Development.