Credit: INDYCAR Photo
BALTIMORE, Md. (August 29, 2013) – After a month-long hiatus from the 2013 season, Firestone Indy Lights racer Peter Dempsey is looking to carry the positive momentum from the last two races into the Grand Prix of Baltimore this weekend. With back-to-back second place finishes in Toronto and Mid-Ohio, the Irishman is steadily gaining ground in the championship hunt and is ready for the challenge of the 12-turn, 2.4-mile street course of Baltimore.
“We’ve had a long break since Mid-Ohio which has given me the opportunity to refocus on the remaining three races,” said Dempsey. “I’ve been working extremely hard outside of the car and really feel that I’m physically ready for the challenge of Baltimore. It’s going to be a tough weekend with five of us fighting for the championship, and as well as that, it’s expected to be very hot outside. It’s important that the team and I head into the weekend making sure we maximize what we have and come away with a solid result.”
This weekend will be Dempsey’s third visit to the relatively new course; he gave a strong performance in 2011, the same year the circuit debuted, coming in third in practice and qualifying second for the event, but has yet to conquer the unforgiving track come race time.
Dempsey will also be welcoming two new sponsors to his 2013 Firestone Indy Lights program for the Baltimore Grand Prix, Microbiology International and Dempsey’s Brew Pub & Restaurant.
Headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, Microbiology International specializes in innovative automation equipment used in microbiological laboratories. As a bonus, fans who “like” the Microbiology International Facebook page can enter to win one of 25 Peter Dempsey autographed collectible packages. Click here to find out more.
Dempsey’s Brew Pub & Restaurant, named for Baltimore Oriole Rick Dempsey, is conveniently located on Eutaw Street at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fans attending the Grand Prix can drop in throughout the weekend to get a taste of the restaurant’s upscale American fare – including their famous “Bacon on a Stick” which was featured on the TV show “United States of Bacon”.
Both companies are returning local sponsors for Dempsey.
“I’m very excited to have two returning sponsors for this weekend,” continued Dempsey. “Microbiology International is back on board this for this race, and also I’m working with Dempsey’s Brew Pub & Restaurant, named after the famous Rick Dempsey of the Baltimore Orioles. I cannot wait to get on track in the No. 5 Belardi Auto Racing car. The Baltimore Grand Prix always has a great fan base, so I’m excited to get back there this weekend.”
The weekend kicks off with official practice starting at 1:25pm EST on Friday, August 30. A second practice session will take place on Saturday, August 31 at 8:00am EST followed by qualifying at 10:55am EST. The 35-lap race will commence at 12:35pm EST on Sunday, September 1 and air on NBC Sports Network at 5:00pm EST. To follow Peter’s progress, please go to www.peterdempsey.com and www.indycar.com. For media inquiries and high resolution photos, please contact Mandy Skinner at peterdempseyracing@gmail.com.
Peter Dempsey Racing Merchandise
About Peter Dempsey: Peter Dempsey is a racecar driver from Ashbourne, County Meath, Ireland best known for his win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which was the closest ever finish in the history of the speedway (.0026 second margin of victory). He is also known for being one of only two drivers to win the prestigious Walter Hayes Trophy three times. Peter is currently the only Irish-born driver to be competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series ladder. After a successful motorsports debut in Europe with his father’s racing team Cliff Dempsey Racing, Peter moved his career to the U.S.A. in 2008 where he has been climbing the Mazda Road to Indy ladder ever since. Peter is currently racing in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, the third step in the Mazda Road to Indy development program, and is just one step below his ultimate goal, the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. For more information, please go to www.peterdempsey.com.