The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Indy Lights - Dempsey Ready For Baltimore


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Chicago, Aug. 29, 2012: Irish racecar driver Peter Dempsey will travel to Baltimore, Maryland this weekend for the penultimate Firestone Indy Lights race of the season. Following a tremendous turnout last year, the series is returning to the two mile, 12 turn street course for the second ever Grand Prix of Baltimore event. Dempsey, 26, conquered the challenge of the new course last season to qualify second for the race, missing the pole starting position by a hair. The Irishman ultimately finished ninth after encountering multiple challenges throughout the hour-long race.

Dempsey will return to Baltimore this weekend piloting the No. 9 TruFuel/Belardi Auto Racing car fresh off his most exciting race of the season in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. In a spectacle reminiscent of the 2011 St. Petersburg season-opener, the delightfully dicey driver charged his way from fifth to first on lap one, proceeding to lead the field for eight laps before a gearbox issue forced him to retire. After coming that close to his maiden victory in the series, Dempsey is fiercely dedicated to fighting for a win for Belardi Auto Racing and TruFuel at this weekend’s Baltimore Grand Prix.

“I’m really excited to be heading back to Baltimore this weekend,” stated Dempsey. “Last year, Baltimore was one of the best weekends of the year with it being a sold out event, so I’m really looking forward to having the fans come back in the gates and support the No. 9 TruFuel/Belardi Auto Racing car!

“Coming off a solid few races with the team, I feel like we have really shown what we can do. We are heading into the weekend with a lot of confidence that we can be competitive, we have really established a good relationship and everyone is working hard to get the best results for the team. I was fast last year and just missed out on pole in qualifying, so I really hope I can bring that speed back to Baltimore this weekend. It’s a little sad knowing that this is the last street course of the year and that the season is coming to a close, but I’m really looking forward to 2013.”

Though the Baltimore Grand Prix only marks Dempsey’s fourth ever race with Belardi Auto Racing, he and the team have gelled quickly and already proven they are among the top competitors in the Firestone Indy Lights Series. This weekend will also be the final street course of the season, one circuit style on which Dempsey thrives. Those factors combined with his thirst for a long-awaited victory in the series make Baltimore a highly anticipated event for the series standout.