HARTSDALE, NY (May 20, 2024): The double header at Indianapolis Motor Speedway granted another last-minute opportunity for Michael d’Orlando in the INDY NXT by Firestone series with the Andretti Cape INDY NXT team. With the support of his partners at Rising Star Racing, he was back in the saddle of the No. 3 Priority Technology Holdings/Rising Star Racing machine, d’Orlando was able to prove he’s a real contender in the series just one step to the NTT INDYCAR series, with two strong performances. Although Race 1 ultimately ended with in an unfortunate twelfth place finish due to an on-track incident, he ran in the top-10 throughout the race and kept that momentum going through Race 2 with a sixth place performance. The 22-year-old driver originally from Hartsdale, New York currently sits sixth in the series’ Drivers’ Championship.
Being familiar with this track, d’Orlando was able to get up to speed quickly. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is infamously known for grids tightly packed together in lap times, and both driver and the Andretti Cape INDY NXT crew were on point to prepare for action with only one practice session on the schedule. d’Orlando was able to put down two fifth-fastest lap times down in his qualifying group for the official Qualifying session, which had him start nineth for both races, placing him on the inside row for the race starts.
“I’m really grateful for another opportunity to be back in the Indy NXT by Firestone series with Andretti Cape INDY NXT team.” d’Orlando says. “I’ve always loved racing at the great Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and being able to bring home a good result here is always a big confidence booster. Although a penalty in Race 1 put us back further than what we wanted, since we were running in the top-6 for majority of the race, we brought home some decent championship points which will keep me in the Drivers’ Championship fight if I can continue to race this year. I am very thankful for the continued support of Rising Star Racing, Priority Technology Holdings, and Andretti Cape, for giving me the opportunity to get back in the seat and show what I can do and for another amazing opportunity to drive the No. 3 machine.”
In Race 1, the INDY NXT rookie got off to a solid start maintaining his 9th place starting position. Throughout the next two laps, he slipped backwards two positions but remained focused for the duration of the 35 lap race. Keeping a consistent pace, he was able to work his way back up to 7th place with sights set on the next group of cars in front of him. Unfortunately, a safety car was deployed for an on-track incident which put the field of 22 cars bunched together again. Just before the green flag flew again on the reformation lap, d’Orlando made contact with the driver directly in front resulting in a penalty forcing him to the tail of the field for the restart. He was able to work his way up to a 12th place finish.
d’Orlando had another good start in the opening of Race 2 maintaining his ninth place position in a flurry of cars setting four wide into the opening corner. The first 10 laps showed him battling hard to make passes to work his way forward to the sixth place position. When he finally worked his way into clean air, d’Orlando pursued more with leader-like pace. He was able to close a 6-second gap to the cars ahead and remained in a three-car fight for a top-4 position in the final laps. Although the degradation of his tires wasn't enough for more, d’Orlando brought home his third top-10 result of the season after only four main events, to a solid 6th place finish.
The INDY NXT by Firestone series returns on the first weekend of June, on May 31-June 2, 2024 for the Detroit Grand Prix. d'Orlando is not expected to return to the grid due to budget limitations but continues to work with his partners at Rising Star Racing and Priority Technology Holdings for additional sponsorships and business-to-business opportunities to help get him back in the seat. Contact Sherri d’Orlando at sherri@dorlandoracing.com or Art Wilmes of Rising Star Racing at art.wilmes@risingstarracing.com for B2B details or for sponsorship opportunities.
To stay up to date on Michael d'Orlando, check out his website at www.michaeldorlando.com and follow his social media on Instagram (dorlandoracing, michaeldorlandoofficial), Facebook (Michael d'Orlando Racing), Twitter (dorlandoracing and michaeldOrland1), and on LinkedIn.
Indy NXT by Firestone (previously known as "Indy Lights") is the official development series and the primary support series for the NTT INDYCAR series. Wholly owned and operated by Penske Entertainment Corp, the Indy NXT series participates in 14 race events spanning 12 weekends across the USA and Canada.
About Priority Technology Holdings: Priority is a leading payments and banking solutions and services provider that helps businesses and financial institutions take and make payments, manage business and consumer operating accounts, and monetize payment networks. Plastiq capabilities provide businesses to free up cash and pay any vendor with a credit card. Float payments, increase working capital and earn rewards with every bill paid.
About Rising Star Racing: Founded in 2012 by Art Wilmes, Rising Star Racing (RSR) is a privately owned and operated motorsport group. RSR seeks to ensure that the most talented American driver(s) reach the highest ladder of open-wheel racing in the Unites States - the NTT INDYCAR series.
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 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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