White Plains, NY (September 20, 2024): It was another impressive performance by Michael d’Orlando last weekend in his debut oval event in the Indy NXT by Firestone series at the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, TN. After sitting on the sidelines for the previous seven races of the series and relegated to a starting position at the tail of the field, the 22-year-old rookie was back in competitive form right from the start. His performance to charge up from 17th to 6th would earn him the Biggest Mover honors of the event as he continues to prove he is a real contender in the series that provides some of the best talent in the world to the NTT INDYCAR series.
The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix fired up Saturday on the 1.33 mile Nashville Superspeedway tri-oval for the first time since 2008. d’Orlando got comfortable in his #3 Flatrock Motorclub machine prepared by Andretti Cape Indy NXT very quickly, showing ninth quickest in the first practice. Then followed that up with third fastest in the second practice session later that morning. It was hard to find any signs of a struggle for a driver who’s been watching from the sidelines since early June, and no prior race experience on an oval circuit in the Indy NXT machine, and things looked promising for the Qualifying session that afternoon.
Qualifying order for oval events are typically set in reverse order of the drivers’ championship standings and are a single-car format, which put d'Orlando at a severe disadvantage in 18th and the second car to qualify. It was another hurdle to overcome as a result from missing the previous events. Since all cars are required to be impounded after their two qualifying laps, and setups are unchangeable for the main event, it’s a challenge for a driver and team to weigh the options for a car setup with an appropriate balance of downforce vs tire-wear for a long 65-lap main event, which ultimately may sacrifice pure qualifying speed and a better starting position. But the weather quickly turned to a steady rain only half-way through the qualifying field, ultimately forcing a cancelation of the entire session resulting in the main event grid to be based on the entrant championship standings. Michael d’Orlando would have to line up in 17th.
The Sunday morning sunshine brought Nashville Superspeedway to life and once again d’Orlando showed confidence for the challenge that was upon him. Like a seasoned veteran, he was patient and calm in the early laps, waiting for the opportunities to present themselves for advancement and setting up positions to make moves forward. At the checkered flag, he had garnered 11 positions to earn the Biggest Mover award of the event in what he calls “one of the most fun races” of his life.
“What a fantastic day.” exclaims d’Orlando. “First, I’d like to give a big Thank You to my partners at Flatrock Motorclub and Rising Star Racing for putting me back out on track this weekend. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get back in the #3 Flatrock Motorclub machine again and I am super proud of we accomplished this weekend. This was one of the most fun races of my entire life! The team at Andretti Cape Indy NXT gave me an incredible race car and going 180mph around Nashville Superspeedway for 65 laps was one of heck of a rush!”
The Big Machine Grand Prix in Nashville closed the 2024 Indy NXT by Firestone series season and Michael d’Orlando would like to thank all his partners, sponsors, friends and family for the support this season. Special thanks to Flatrock Motorclub, Rising Star Racing and Priority Technology Holdings for the opportunity to continue to work with them and to represent them on and off the race track. Further gratitude and thanks to the entire team at Andretti Cape Indy NXT and Andretti Global for their support this season.
d'Orlando continues to work to build on his current partnership and to find new partners & sponsors for the 2025 season. He is currently looking for corporations or individuals that are interested in B2B partnerships or direct sponsorship opportunities. The Indy NXT by Firestone series won’t take much of break as testing for the 2025 season is set begin on October 20, 2024 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
For B2B opportunities, sponsorship inquiries and/or special events with Michael d'Orlando at NTT INDYCAR series events, please contact Art Wilmes of Rising Star Racing at art.wilmes@risingstarracing.com or Sherri d’Orlando of d’Orlando Enterprises LLC at sherri@dorlandoracing.com.
For Media inquiries or to request interviews with Michael d’Orlando, contact d’Orlando Enterprises LLC at info@dorlandoracing.com or The Sports Marketing Group at press@thesmg.com
Keep up to date with Michael d'Orlando 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.
About INDY NXT by Firestone: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/Plastiq: 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. Priority's Plastiq product provides the capability for 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 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.
d'Orlando Enterprises LLC | Headquarters, Hartsdale, New York 10530 |
917-952-0243 | info@dorlandoracing.com | www.dorlandoracing.com
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