HARTSDALE, NY (July 7, 2023) –
As the 2023 USF Pro Championships season turned the halfway point, Michael d’Orlando returned to racing action last weekend for the Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, at the technical circuit of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH. d’Orlando has shown pace all season, albeit a misfortune-ridden start, and is now building momentum after a pole position and his inaugural series win in Road America just two weeks ago. His expectations were high heading into the 10th and 11th rounds of the USF Pro 2000 Championship series and he did not disappoint by bringing home two podiums, including his second victory of the season to date.
The reigning USF 2000 Champion and his Turn 3 Motorsport team consistently showed great speed in both test sessions on Thursday’s practice day and then again setting the fastest time in Friday morning’s only official practice session. Carrying that momentum into the qualifying sessions later that day for each of the two main events on Saturday, he put himself on the front row for both races. His pole position for Race 1 would earn him his 3rd pole position of the season and the only driver to earn multiple pole positions thus far. And his off-pole performance for Race 2 was a near miss of another pole position by a mere 0.01 seconds.
The #1 USF Pro Championships/Turn-3 Motorsports/Priority Technology Holdings/Focused Project Management machine lead the entire show in Saturday morning’s Race 1 with d’Orlando jumping out to a quick lead and a comfortable gap on the field. However, things got a little stressful when the conditions quickly turned to rain late in the race, forcing everyone to pit lane for a mandatory switch from racing slicks to rain tires. But it was d’Orlando who prevailed in an uncontested two-lap shootout in the challenging conditions bringing home his second win of the season.
Race 2 later that day, d’Orlando was faced with a slightly more difficult & challenging event. Starting off-pole he managed to get a good start and continue to pursue the race lead, although, after a brief safety car, he slipped into third position. He continued to hold that position in a three-car battle up front on the circuit known for its difficulty to overtake. Ultimately, he was able to bring home another podium finish in third place, thus making him the highest points-scoring driver of the weekend. After 11 race events, d’Orlando is one of only two drivers with multiple wins in the 2023 season so far.
“What an amazing weekend at Mid-Ohio. Thank you to my team, Turn 3 Motorsport, for their hard work and for the fantastic job making that #1 USF Pro Championships/Turn-3 Motorsports/Priority Technology Holdings/Focused Project Management car the fastest on track and for their support and continued belief in me.” states d’Orlando. “A win and a third is exactly what we needed for valuable points in the drivers’ championship. I’m super proud of our efforts. I am also extremely thankful that the series allows me to continue to represent the USF Pro Championships by driving the #1 USF Pro Championships car in the beautiful red, white, and blue scholarship livery. I would like to thank the USF Pro Championships for their continued support which has allowed me to be able to continue my career as a result of their scholarship program and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in Toronto.”
The next rounds of the USF Pro Championships will commence again in support of the NTT INDYCAR series over the border on the streets of Toronto, Ontario, Canada for the Honda Indy Toronto on July 14-16, 2023.
Michael d’Orlando’s pursuit of the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires is possible by the support and generosity of the USF Pro Championships organization, it’s personnel and it’s partners, as a result of the scholarship funding provided to him as the 2022 USF 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires Champion. We’d like to extend a special thanks to everyone at USF Pro Championships and Cooper Tires for their ongoing support and guidance.
Additional thanks to our corporate partners for being a part of the d’Orlando Enterprises LLC programs for business development, brand awareness & networking, and their support of our drivers’ preparation on and off the racetrack. Thank you to partners at Digital Building Solutions, Priority Technology Holdings, Focused Project Management, Dino Luzzi Energy Drink, DB Collaborative, Turn 3 Motorsport, Pierpont Mechanical, UFC Gym - Mamaroneck NY, Celtic General Contractors , and Rising Star Racing.
How to Help:
In order to complete the season, d'Orlando needs the help of additional sponsors and donations. And as he continues his pursuit in the USF Pro 2000 series this year, he is working to advance his career and compete in the 2024 Firestone Indy NXT series (owned and operated by Penske Entertainment Corp which also owns and operates the NTT IndyCar series). Indy NXT is broadcast live and on-demand on NBC's streaming service Peacock. This step up is a major avenue for business development of corporate partners with direct access and networking with some of the nation's top Fortune 500 companies.
Join our network of partners for business development and brand awareness opportunities and for unique & exciting trackside VIP experiences. Get up close and personal with d'Orlando Enterprises drivers' Michael and Nicholas, stand with them on the grid as they line up for races, full paddock and pitlane access, take a pace car ride or give the "Drivers Start Your Engines" command. Meet and network with IndyCar teams like Andretti Autosport or McLaren Autosport, and partners such as DHL, AutoNation and Gainbridge. For these inquiries please contact Sherri d’Orlando at info@dorlandoracing.com or Art Wilmes at art.wilmes@risingstarracing.com.
DELLC's partnership with Priority Technology Holdings provide businesses with better payment processing services, including merchant processing, payables, early pay, business banking and Lines Loans & MCAs, while also providing additional funding support for future motorsports talent. Visit www.priorityanddellc.com or Contact Us for details.
Every purchase of Dino Luzzi Energy Drink placed here on the TalkShopLive platform directly supports the DELLC drivers. Get yours today! Tell your friends!
To make a monetary donation at any level, click here.
Where to watch: d’Orlando and Turn 3 Motorsport will return to action in the USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio on June 30 - July 1IN, 2023. All USF Pro 2000 events are streamed online at www.usfpro2000.com or download the USF Pro Championships app.
About d'Orlando Enterprises LLC: d'Orlando Enterprises LLC, also known as "DELLC", is a driver management, marketing, event planning and activation company with specific focus in the amateur and professional motorsports industry. We develop unique and remarkable VIP experiences, behind the scenes access, and other entertainment opportunities for partners and corporations at race events across the country, including the Indy500.
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