BALTIMORE, Md. (September 1, 2013) –
Peter Dempsey, driver of the No. 5 Belardi Auto Racing machine, fought with both track and car all weekend to eventually bring home a fourth place finish in today’s Baltimore Grand Prix. The “Charm City” street course started to become less charming to the Irish racer in yesterday’s final practice session when he had a scary crash caused by the controversial chicane.
With the weekend’s qualifying taking place that same day, the Belardi Auto Racing crew went to work to repair the car in just two hours. Dempsey was able to get the freshly mended car out in time for qualifying, and in a session plagued with red flags, he concluded the day with a fifth place starting position.
With five drivers in contention for the championship title, it is needless to say that today’s Firestone Indy Lights race was filled with restless and eager racing from the front of the pack. A determined Dempsey was not going to let the faults of earlier sessions define the outcome of his race today, and in his signature style, the Freedom 100 Winner made fearless attempts to get to the front of the field right off the bat. Things were looking up for Dempsey (and the others competing for the title) when then championship leader Carlos Munoz retired early due to a collision with the wall. As his luck would have it, however, Dempsey found he was struggling with his car throughout the race and conclusively delivered a fourth place finish in the Baltimore Grand Prix.
“It was a difficult race for us today,” commented Dempsey. “We had a problem with the gearbox from the start of race, and I struggled with understeer throughout the race. We had to make sure we brought the car home and made the best of the situation. It was difficult, but we finished, and [Carlos] Munoz crashing out really tightened up the championship. Now we just have to put our head downs, move on to Houston, and get back on point for the final two races.
“I would like to thank my sponsors, Microbiology International and all of their crew that came out for the race, and Dempsey’s Brew Pub for entertaining the team and all of my guests this weekend. I’d also like to thank my team, Belardi Auto Racing, and all the guys for working hard and getting the car repaired and ready in time for qualifying. I’ll be glad to get out and get to Houston next!”
Two races remain in the 2013 Firestone Indy Lights season – a new circuit on the streets of Houston, Texas and the two-mile oval of Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Dempsey is currently one of five drivers within 35 points of each other in contention for the championship title.